"The voluntary scheme is to be opened up to 18- and 19-year-olds, who would be paid, and would last 10 months. The costs would be some 2 billion ($2.32 billion), which Macron called "a significant and necessary effort." It is hoped that 3,000 people would take part in the scheme in 2026, rising to 10,000 by 2030."
"General Fabien Mandon, the country's armed forces chief, last week warned that the nation must prepare for potential future losses in the face of Russian aggression. He said France lacked "the strength of character to accept suffering in order to protect who we are," adding that the country must "accept losing its children." His remarks triggered an uproar, and Macron moved quickly to downplay them."
France will create a voluntary, paid military service for 18- and 19-year-olds beginning by mid-2026. The program will last 10 months and initially aims for 3,000 recruits in 2026, rising to 10,000 by 2030. Estimated cost is about 2 billion ($2.32 billion). Recruits will serve only on French soil and may return to civilian life, become reservists, or remain in the military. France plans to expand its reservist force to 80,000 by 2030. The initiative responds to wider European security concerns amid shifting U.S. priorities and Russian aggression, and follows controversy over a top general's remarks about potential losses.
Read at www.dw.com
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