In a significant strategic shift, French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the reintroduction of a national military service, a quarter-century after the country abolished conscription. The new voluntary program, unveiled at an infantry base near Grenoble, will commence next summer with an initial cohort of 3,000 young volunteers, marking a deliberate move to bolster the nation's defensive readiness in an increasingly precarious geopolitical climate. The initiative, targeting 18- and 19-year-olds, is structured as a paid, 10-month training period, offering participants a monthly stipend of at least €800. The government’s long-term vision is ambitious, aiming to scale participation to 50,000 volunteers annually by 2035. This cadre is intended to form a new third tier within the French armed forces, complementing the existing 200,000 professional soldiers and 47,000 reservists. President Macron framed the decision as an essential act of national preparation. "The only way to avoid danger is to prepare for it," he asserted, adding that in a world "where might triumphs over right, war is in the present tense." He characterized the plan as "an act of trust in our youth." This policy reversal is a direct response to escalating security concerns, primarily the threat of a confrontation with Russia. The French government has consistently highlighted what it describes as Russian hybrid tactics, including disinformation campaigns on social media, weaving the prospect of a standoff into the national discourse. The move aligns France with a broader European trend. Neighbours like Belgium and the Netherlands have launched similar voluntary schemes, while Germany is planning its own. Nations on the frontline of Russian influence, such as Lithuania and Latvia, maintain compulsory service, and Sweden employs a merit-based model. The plan has garnered support from French military chiefs, who view it as a necessary correction to an over-reliance on professional forces. Thomas Gassilloud, president of the National Assembly's defence committee, endorsed the "hybridisation of the armed forces," stating, "We went too far in the direction of the all-professional." Proponents argue the scheme will create a vital reservoir of trained citizens, freeing up career soldiers for frontline duties and potentially encouraging some volunteers to pursue full-time military careers. While the program stops short of a mandatory draft, it signifies a profound philosophical change. It represents a state-level investment in fostering a deeper connection between the populace and its military, a bond that had frayed since conscription ended. As Europe re-arms, France is betting that this renewed civic-military compact will be a cornerstone of its security for decades to come.