A Call for Youth Engagement
In a recent speech, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed military personnel at the Army Digital and Cyber Support Command in western France, urging young people to step up as volunteers to bolster the ranks of the French Army. While he clarified that he does not favor reintroducing mandatory military service, he expressed a strong desire to see more youths actively participating in military roles.
Bolstering Volunteer Recruitment
Macron’s address emphasized the need for improved strategies to identify and mobilize young volunteers. He called on the government and armed forces to draft plans that outline how to effectively engage these individuals by May. “We need to do a better job of identifying volunteers, their competences, their professional progression, as well as training them and mobilising them when needed,” he stated, highlighting the importance of harnessing youth skills for military purposes.
Learning from Military Experience
The president shared his positive interactions with participants of the national youth service, reinforcing his message that this initiative aims to engage willing young people rather than enforce compulsory service. He sees this as an opportunity for the youth to gain valuable experiences and contribute to the armed forces while utilizing their skills effectively.
Challenges for the Youth Service Program
Macron’s call for increased volunteerism comes amidst scrutiny of the national youth service program, originally a part of his 2017 campaign promises. After facing criticism regarding its effectiveness and costs, the initiative was restructured and trialed as the Service National Universel (SNU). Recently, the French Senate took steps to drastically reduce its budget, redirecting funds toward France’s troubled sports budget instead. Critics argue that the SNU has not demonstrated enough value to justify its continued existence.
Future Goals for Military Personnel
France aims to expand its military presence, targeting 210,000 active servicemen and 80,000 reservists by 2030 per the military programming law enacted in July 2024. This ambitious legislation allocates a substantial budget of €413.3 billion for defense, ensuring a ratio of two active servicemen for every reservist. Through engaging the nation’s youth, Macron hopes to achieve these goals while simultaneously fostering a stronger connection between young citizens and their military.
SOURCE: Ref Image from RFI
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