"France is to introduce voluntary military service of 10 months aimed mainly at young people aged 18 and 19, as concern grows in Europe about the threat from Russia. In a speech to troops in Varces-Allieres-et-Risset in the French Alps, the French president, Emmanuel Macron, said the service would begin by mid-2026 and would help France respond to accelerating threats on the global stage."
"Under the new military service, men and women, mostly aged 18 and 19, could volunteer to sign up for 10 months. They would be paid a minimum of 800 per month and receive food and accommodation, as well as a 75% discount on rail travel. They would be deployed only on national soil, Macron said. A minority with specific qualifications, for example in engineering or medical skills, could be aged up to 25."
"We cannot return to the time of conscription, Macron said. This hybrid army model corresponds to the threats and risks ahead, bringing together national service youth, reservists, and the active army. The plan will cost 2bn, which Macron called a significant and necessary effort. The scheme aims to bring in 3,000 volunteers in 2026, rising to 10,000 by 2030. My ambition for France is to reach 50,000 youth by 2036, depending on evolving threats, Macron said."
France will launch a voluntary 10-month national military service beginning by mid-2026 aimed chiefly at 18- and 19-year-olds to strengthen national mobilisation amid rising concerns about Russia and accelerating global threats. Participants will receive at least €800 per month, food, accommodation, and a 75% rail discount, with deployments restricted to national territory. A limited number of volunteers with engineering or medical qualifications may join up to age 25. The model pairs national service youth with reservists and the active army, carries an estimated €2 billion cost, and plans staged recruitment growth through 2036.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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