France is to introduce voluntary military service of 10 months aimed mainly at young people aged 18 and 19, as concern grows in Europe about the threat from Russia. Under the new military service, men and women, mostly aged 18 and 19, could volunteer to sign up for 10 months. Photograph: Blondet Eliot/ABACA/ShutterstockThere is so far no suggestion that military service in France could again be compulsory, as it was before the then president, Jacques Chirac, abolished conscription in 1997. After the programme, participants could integrate into civilian life, become a reservist, or stay in the armed forces, he said. Macron’s office said polling data suggested high support for the armed forces among 18- to 25-year-olds.
