File photo

 

France is set to revive a form of military service, two and a half decades after ending conscription, due to rising worries over a potential confrontation with Russia. President Emmanuel Macron announced that young volunteers would undergo a paid 10-month training starting next summer. Macron raised the issue of national readiness and respect, saying, "The only way to avoid danger is to prepare for it."

 

Conscription was phased out in 1996 under President Jacques Chirac. The new national service targets 18- and 19-year-olds, who will earn at least €800 (around 30,700 Thai baht) monthly. It aims to reinforce the armed forces, responding to recent military trends in Europe, where countries like Belgium and the Netherlands have launched voluntary service schemes amidst fears of Russian aggression.

 

Initially, 3,000 young volunteers will participate in the program, with the figures projected to rise to 50,000 by 2035. This effort is part of a structural evolution in France's military, designed to integrate professionals, reservists, and volunteers. Such measures align with other EU nations dealing with security challenges linked to Russia.

 

France's military aims to source motivated personnel who could potentially pursue full-time careers. Thomas Gassilloud, head of the National Assembly's defence committee, sees this as hybridising the armed forces. Recent comments by General Fabien Mandon have further highlighted concerns of conflict with Russia, suggesting imminent confrontation preparations.

 

While broadly accepted, Macron's proposal has faced criticism. Despite high public support, polls reveal that younger demographics show less enthusiasm. Street opinions reflect mixed sentiments—many see the service as a path to strengthen national defence, yet some young people feel pressing societal issues remain unaddressed.

 

Historically, French conscription dates back to the Revolution, aiming to instill national unity. The last conscript left service in 2001, and while several initiatives, like the Day of Defence and Citizenship, remained, past civic programmes under Macron were criticised and discontinued. The current plan's reception is mostly positive, though financial concerns persist with ongoing debt challenges and budgetary constraints, reported the BBC.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• France is reintroducing military service next summer to bolster defence.
• Initial participation starts at 3,000, aiming for 50,000 by 2035.
• Concerns about Russia drive this shift amid mixed public reactions.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-11-28

 

 

 

So, the Russian bear growls, and the World cowers in fear. Surely the answer is to shoot the bear before it attacks....not during or after?

 

Where is 007 when you need him?

18 hours ago, Grusa said:

Where is 007 when you need him?

 

Laid off.

 

Didn't tick enough boxes for the DEI quotas. 

2 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

Laid off.

 

Didn't tick enough boxes for the DEI quotas. 

Well the character is based on a foreigner.

 

Oops!