On January 12, 2026, the French Ministry of the Armed Forces launched a recruitment campaign for a new military and voluntary national service aimed at youths aged 18 to 25. Announced by Emmanuel Macron in November 2025, the initiative seeks to strengthen ties between the army and the nation amid geopolitical threats. Volunteers will serve ten months exclusively on national territory, targeting 3,000 recruits in 2026.
In an unusual press conference on January 12, 2026, in Paris, Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin and Chief of Staff General Fabien Mandon unveiled details of this national military service, joined by the chiefs of staff for the Army, Air and Space Force, and Navy.
Announced by President Emmanuel Macron on November 27, 2025, the program replaces the Universal National Service (SNU), launched in 2019 for 15-17-year-olds but never generalized, deemed unfit for the post-2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine strategic context. The SNU is now abandoned in favor of this 'purely military' service, per the Élysée.
Open to men and women aged 18 to 25, the service lasts ten months: one month of basic training followed by nine months of unit integration, in metropolitan France or overseas territories. No overseas deployments are planned, even amid Russian tensions. Volunteers, selected based on medical fitness, motivation, and army needs, will receive about 800 euros gross per month, plus housing, meals, and equipment.
Eighty percent will be 18-19-year-olds, for whom the period counts as a gap year preserving Parcoursup applications. The remaining 20 percent, specialized profiles (engineers, nurses, etc.), will serve up to age 25 as aspirants. Post-service, they can resume studies, join reserves or active duty, and enter five years of operational reserve (possible five-day annual recall).
General Mandon emphasized that conscripts will bolster the nation's 'resistance capacity,' trained to operate in solidary groups regardless of background. Varied roles: infantrymen, drone pilots, air base protectors, or shipboard for 20 percent in the Navy.
The campaign uses regional press, a dedicated website, social media, and Mobilization Day (formerly Defense and Citizenship Day). Targets: 3,000 in 2026 (1,800 Army, 600 Air/Space, 600 Navy), 4,000 in 2027, 10,000 in 2030, and 42,500 by 2035. Estimated cost: 2.3 billion euros for 2026-2030, including 1.4 billion for infrastructure and 150 million in 2026.
Catherine Vautrin reassured on further commitments: 'The option of general mobilization requires a parliamentary vote; it's really in extraordinary conditions not seen since World War II.' This service fits a hybrid army model: 200,000 active personnel, 47,000 reservists (80,000 by 2030) plus conscripts, coexisting with the Voluntary Military Service (SMV) and Adapted Military Service (SMA) for professional integration.
