Évreux Air Base hosts first recruits for new French national service

Approximately 100 young volunteers, including one-third women, have begun their training at the Évreux Air Base in Eure as part of France’s new national service program. This voluntary initiative, championed by President Emmanuel Macron, aims to strengthen the bond between citizens and the military while addressing the needs of the armed forces amid heightened European tensions.

The recruits, averaging 20 years of age, are participating in a ten-month contract. While the program is designed to bolster military readiness, the recruits will not be deployed to foreign conflict zones; their missions will be restricted to French territory. The Air and Space Force is hosting 600 recruits this term, with a total of 3,000 expected across all branches this autumn. The government aims to reach 10,000 volunteers by 2025.

Initial training involves administrative formalities, medical examinations, and basic military drills, such as assembling assault rifles and physical conditioning. Unlike the mandatory military service abolished in 1996, this program is voluntary for French citizens aged 18 to 25 and provides a monthly stipend of approximately 800 euros.