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France to Launch National Military Service for Youth in 2026

1/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Emmanuel Macron announced France will launch a 10-month voluntary national military service for 18–25-year-olds, starting September 2026.
Initial recruitment targets 3,000, rising to 10,000 annually by 2030, to bolster resilience.
General Fabien Mandon said the program aims to strengthen resilience.
Participants earn about €800 monthly and perform roles from disaster support to surveillance.
Cost is €150 million in 2026 and €2.3 billion by 2030.

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Story summary

President Emmanuel Macron announced France will launch a 10-month voluntary national military service for 18–25-year-olds, starting September 2026.
Initial recruitment targets 3,000, rising to 10,000 annually by 2030, to bolster resilience.
General Fabien Mandon said the program aims to strengthen resilience.
Participants earn about €800 monthly and perform roles from disaster support to surveillance.
Cost is €150 million in 2026 and €2.3 billion by 2030.