French President Emmanuel Macron is set to unveil a new voluntary military service initiative later this week, aimed at bolstering the nation’s armed forces. While specific details remain undisclosed, French media reports suggest the program will span 10 months, offer remuneration, and be entirely voluntary. Macron emphasized that the initiative is not intended to deploy young people to conflict zones like Ukraine but rather to address the growing ‘desire for service’ among the youth and counter the ‘hybrid confrontation’ posed by Russia. ‘If we French want to protect ourselves, we must demonstrate resilience against the powers that threaten us most,’ Macron stated. He further stressed the importance of public understanding of the armed forces’ role and operations. The proposal is expected to be elaborated during Macron’s visit to an army base on Thursday. The revamped service, as reported by La Tribune Dimanche, will offer volunteers a monthly stipend ranging from €900 to €1000. This move comes amid broader European efforts to strengthen military readiness, with countries like Germany, Latvia, Sweden, and Lithuania reintroducing various forms of military service. Macron’s announcement follows his earlier warnings about a ‘turning point in history’ and the need for France and Europe to prepare for potential shifts in global alliances, particularly in light of Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine.