Emmanuel Macron at the Varces military base (Isère) on November 27, 2025. THOMAS PADILLA/AFP
While unveiling the details of his new military service, Emmanuel Macron steered clear of alarming language. On Thursday, November 27, in front of the soldiers of the 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade in Varces (southeastern France), the president presented a reassuring plan for young recruits and their families alike. Participation will be entirely voluntary, lasting 10 months, with assignments "exclusively on national territory." This was a far cry from the stark warning issued by the chief of staff of the armed forces, General Fabien Mandon, who declared on November 18 that France must "accept losing its children" to confront Russia.
The president also appealed to nostalgia for the traditional military service and its values. "They will acquire a sense of discipline, be trained in handling weapons, marching, singing and all the rituals that foster camaraderie within our armed forces and contribute to the nation's greatness," he emphasized, adding that volunteers will, like conscripts in the past, receive "a uniform, pay [€800] and equipment." Starting in September 2026, 3,000 young people will join regiments, with the goal of reaching 10,000 in 2030 and then 50,000 in 2035. But to what end?
