France Launches Voluntary Youth Military Service

French President Emmanuel Macron announced a new voluntary military service program on Thursday, targeting 18- and 19-year-olds to strengthen the nation's defenses amid escalating threats from Russia. Speaking at the Varces military base in the French Alps, Macron outlined the initiative as a paid, 10-month commitment on French mainland and overseas territories, set to launch gradually starting next summer.

The program, which avoids a return to compulsory conscription ended in 1996, will begin with applications opening in January. Volunteers will undergo one month of initial training, including weapons handling, followed by nine months in military units performing tasks alongside active-duty personnel. Participants can opt to join the armed forces, become reservists, or return to civilian life afterward. Macron described it as part of a "hybrid army" model integrating youth service with active troops and reserves to address modern risks. "This hybrid army model corresponds to the threats and risks ahead," he said.

France plans to recruit 3,000 volunteers in the first year, expanding to 10,000 by 2030 and aiming for 50,000 by 2035, depending on evolving security challenges. The...