French President Emmanuel Macron announced the program as other European countries have considered similar measures with an eye on a resurgent Russia.
Nov. 27 French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday the creation of a new voluntary military service amid concerns about a possible confrontation with Russia.
Calling it an « act of trust in our youth », Macron made the announcement in a speech to troops stationed at a base just outside of Grenoble in southeast France, the BBC reported.
The new service will launch next summer, offering monthly payments to recruits, mostly aged 18 and 19, of at least 800 euros, or about $930, a month for 10 months of training, according to the BBC.
« The only way to avoid danger is to prepare for it », Macron said. « We need to mobilise, mobilising the nation to defend itself, to be ready and remain respected.
