The French Army has received over 2,300 applications from young people interested in the 10-month national service launched this year by Emmanuel Macron, for 1,800 open spots in the fall of 2026. This was announced on Tuesday by General Arnaud Goujon, deputy director of youth recruitment, in an interview with some journalists at the headquarters of the Army Chief of Staff, General Pierre Schill. “Today, I have more than 2,300 application files, including 1,600 young people awaiting evaluation and 260 young people already directed towards a spot,” he congratulated, specifying that 22% of the candidates are women.
Young people aged 18 to 25 could apply until April to join the army between September and November for a duration of 10 months, exclusively in mainland France or overseas territories. “There is no doubt at this stage that there will be a significant number of young people for a ‘gap year’ starting in September, October, November, allowing these young people to resume their schooling or studies in the following year,” commented the Army Chief of Staff.
Goal of 42,500 recruits by 2035
The majority of applicants (90%) overwhelmingly want to join combat units (infantry, cavalry, engineering, artillery), note the two senior officials, although “there are many other professions” such as logistics, intelligence, maintenance, and test engineering, emphasized General Schill, inviting young people to inform themselves about the range of possibilities.
In 2026, the armed forces aim to enlist 3,000 personnel (1,800 in the Army, 600 in the Air and Space Force, and 600 in the Navy), then 4,000 in 2027, 10,000 in 2030, with an ambition of 42,500 by 2035. Upon integration into units after a month of basic training, the recruits will be selected based on their medical aptitude, motivation, and suitability for the needs of the military. They will be paid approximately 800 euros gross monthly and provided with accommodation during the ten months of service.
