VIDEO. If we have to go, we have to go: meeting with these young people ready to enlist in the Army

With 413 billion euros planned for the period 2024-2030, the French defense budget reaches historic levels. Recruitment is also holding strong on the ground. The evidence in Limoges, where an information fair aimed at young people was organized on Thursday, May 7th. As the voluntary “national service,” relaunched to meet the needs of the armed forces in the face of threats, will begin this summer, are they ready to join the ranks?

“One day, I will be called and it doesn’t scare me. It’s to defend my family, my friends, my country,” answered William, encountered on the spot. This 17-year-old high school student, currently in a vocational diploma in commerce and sales, should finalize his commitment to the army in the coming months. He has already passed a series of tests, successfully validated, to become an assistant sports monitor.

Attracted by the discipline and athletic demands of the military environment, the young man would first like to be a reservist. “Combat will not be the first thing I will be asked for if my specialty is sports. If we are in wartime, I could be called up and sent to the front lines. I am aware that I could lose my life, but being a soldier is commitments,” continues William, who is still worried about the current geopolitical context.

“I am afraid that France will be affected, but more importantly that there will be war in the world. It should not happen for a third time,” says William, 17 years old, Interest in the Army.

In the discussions between visitors and the military present in Limoges on this day, questions about international current events are frequent. “The young people asked me questions about the missions, to find out what opportunities there were, and about conflicts. In particular, they asked me if tomorrow there was a war, whether I would be involved or not,” explains Chief Morgan of the 515th Angoulême Train Regiment.

Cyr, 16, is also interested in military professions focused on sports, medicine, or mechanics. Currently in the First year, this high school student has already inquired about the new voluntary “national service.” Lasting 10 months, it is aimed at men and women aged 18 to 25.

“If one day we really have to go to war, it would give us a small base to go there,” he says. “When I see the geopolitical context, I think it’s getting closer very quickly.” The young man, who says he is ready to enlist, adds: “There have been wars for a long time. If we have to go, we have to go.”

Through these information fairs, the Army also wants to show that its organization is not limited to combat. “Most candidates want to join the Army on the ground as infantry fighters, armored cavalry fighters, etc. We still have other specialties that are not necessarily known to the general public,” emphasizes Staff Sergeant Aurélien from the Limoges Recruitment and Information Center for the Armed Forces (Cirfa).

Every year, the ministry recruits an average of 22,000 active duty military personnel and 12,000 reservists, but defections have been increasing since 2022. Several factors explain this, including uncertainties among young people about their careers and adapting to the realities and risks of military life.

Fact Check: The article discusses the increase in the French defense budget and recruitment efforts, as well as highlighting the aspirations and concerns of young individuals interested in joining the military. It also sheds light on the less-known roles within the Army and the factors contributing to recruitment challenges.