The new voluntary national service exceeds expectations. While the first incorporations are planned for the fall, the army has already received 2,300 applications for only 1,800 available spots. Profiles of candidates, most sought-after units, and long-term goals: discover the initial figures of this operation launched by Emmanuel Macron, which is attracting an increasing number of women to combat units.
More candidates than spots for the new national service: this program allows young volunteers to spend ten months in the army, with accommodation and a salary (€800 gross monthly).
Announced last November by Emmanuel Macron, registrations were opened in January. In almost four months, the operation seems to have attracted young French individuals. Here is the first assessment of registrations in the army.
More candidates than spots
1,800 spots will be available in the fall in the army, and over 2,300 applications have already been submitted. Mostly young men, but 22% of applicants are women (which is higher than in the regular army).
90% of them hope to join combat units: infantry and engineering are more sought-after than maintenance or even intelligence, but there is still time. 18-25 year olds have until July to apply for the national service. In 2026, the armed forces (army, navy, air force, and space) aim for 3,000 recruits, 4,000 in 2027, and up to 42,500 by 2035.
/2026/04/29/69f1d1b31b452281567319.jpg "Iranian authorities have carried out 21 executions and 4,000 arrests since the beginning of the war in the Middle East, according to the UN.")
