Important Reminder – The National Service
- The national service, initiated by Emmanuel Macron, is attracting numerous applications for the Army.
- Despite 1,800 available spots, the Army has received over 2,300 applications.
- After a month of training, candidates will be selected based on various criteria.
The Army has received more than 2,300 applications from young individuals interested in the ten-month national service launched this year by Emmanuel Macron, for the 1,800 open spots in the fall of 2026. “Today I have more than 2,300 application files, including 1,600 young people waiting for evaluation and 260 young people already directed towards a spot,” said General Arnaud Goujon, the recruitment-youth sub-director.
General Goujon specified that about 22% of the applicants are young women. Young men and women aged 18 to 25 interested can apply until July to join the army between September and November for a duration of ten months, exclusively in metropolitan France or overseas territories.
Compensation of 800 Euros Gross Salary per Month
“There is no doubt at this stage that there will be a significant number of young individuals for a ‘gap year’ starting in September, October, November, which will allow these young people to resume their schooling or studies in the following year,” noted the Chief of Staff of the Army.
The majority of applicants (90%) overwhelmingly wish to join combat units (infantry, cavalry, engineering, artillery), while there are plenty of other professions available such as logistics, intelligence, maintenance, and testing engineering.
In 2026, the army aims to recruit 3,000 individuals (1,800 in the Army, 600 in the Air and Space Force, and 600 in the Navy), followed by 4,000 in 2027, 10,000 in 2030, with a target of 42,500 by 2035.
After a month of basic training and integration into units, the recruits will be selected based on their medical aptitude, motivation, and alignment with the army’s needs. They will receive approximately 800 euros gross salary per month and accommodation during the ten months of service.
