In France, more than 2,200 young people have volunteered for national service since its launch on January 12, 2025, as reported by franceinfo on Friday. The Ministry of the Armed Forces is confident of reaching the target of 3,000 recruits by July.
Three months after recruitment opened, more than 2,200 young people have volunteered for national service, according to information from franceinfo on Friday from Commissioner-General Thierry De La Burgade, director of the National Service project at the Ministry of the Armed Forces. The goal of 3,000 recruits set for July has not yet been reached, but the Ministry of the Armed Forces remains optimistic about achieving it.
The typical candidate profile is “a 20-year-old, educated up to or without a high school diploma,” explained the Commissioner-General. Nearly a third of the candidates are young women, despite the military currently having only 17.3% female personnel. “We didn’t expect this, but it seems like a step towards the commitment of young people,” he added.
National coverage includes metropolitan areas and overseas territories. According to Thierry De La Burgade, the entire territory is represented with no “recruitment desert”. The mainland and overseas territories are fully covered, highlighting strong engagement from overseas territories like Guyana and New Caledonia.
For the first batch, the Ministry aims to assign recruits “not too far from their place of residence.” The three branches of the military will offer positions in around 30 regiments of the army, 25 air bases, and five naval bases.
The offered positions cover a wide range of tasks, from “protection of military sites” or participation in Operation Sentinel to “supporting the forces” by serving as mechanics for vehicles, aircraft, and boats, as well as roles in catering or as drivers.
This ten-month service, fully military in nature, caters to individuals aged 18-25, providing lodging, meals, and a salary to volunteers. It can also be recognized as a gap year, allowing students to resume their studies after completing the service.
