French president unveils new military program for volunteers aged 18 and 19

Friday, November 28, 2025 -France is launching a new military initiative aimed at young adults, as the President announces a program specifically for volunteers aged 18 and 19. 

The scheme is designed to offer early training, civic education, and skill-building opportunities, while strengthening ties between youth and the armed forces.

Officials say the program will focus on discipline, physical fitness, and national service, providing participants with structured experiences that could boost career prospects both within and outside the military. 

The initiative reflects a growing emphasis on engaging younger generations in national defense and civic responsibility.

Critics warn that the program must balance recruitment goals with personal freedoms and educational priorities. Nevertheless, the government is positioning this as a strategic investment in future readiness, emphasizing skill development, teamwork, and patriotic engagement for France’s youngest adults.