The Head of State announced the creation of a new military service, which will replace the Universal National Service from the summer of 2026. What is this new government project? What does this commitment time consist of for young people and will it be compulsory?
The page of the Universal National Service (SNU) is turning. President Emmanuel Macron announced the establishment of a new “voluntary military service” from summer 2026. This system, designed to meet the needs of armies in the face of new global threats, is aimed at young adults. How will this new service work? Could it become mandatory? Answers.
What is “voluntary military service”?
Following the SNU (which was aimed at 15-17 year olds), this new military service mainly concerns young people aged 18 to 19. This is a commitment under military status for a period of 10 months, thought of as a gap year or a springboard towards employment. Other candidates may apply until age 25 if they have sought-after specializations (engineers, nurses, translators, etc.).
Is this new national service compulsory?
For the moment, this service is carried out on a voluntary basis. Young people will express their wish to get involved during their “mobilization day”, formerly known as Defense and Citizenship Day (JDC), and the armies will select the most motivated profiles. Be careful, however: Emmanuel Macron specified thatin case of “major crisis”Parliament will be able to authorize mobilization beyond just volunteers, relying on the skills identified during the mobilization day. In this specific case, “national service would become compulsory”.
The service lasts 10 months in total and is divided into two major phases :
- First phase (1 month): learning the basics of military life (initial training).
- Second phase (9 months): assignment to a military unit.
At the end of these 10 months, young people will be able to resume their studies, enter working life by joining the operational reserve, or choose to enlist permanently in the army. Note that from 2027, it will also be possible to carry out the SMV within the national gendarmerie, the Paris fire brigade or the Marseille fire brigade battalion. The service will only be provided on national territory (mainland and overseas).
The new military service will begin gradually from the start of the 2026 school year. Registrations have been open since January 12, 2026, in particular via the sites “sengage.fr” or “le-smv.gouv.fr”, for incorporation planned for September, October or November.
What remuneration for this new national service?
Unlike the SNU which was similar to volunteering or civic service, this new service offers a real military status. The young volunteers will receive a balance of around 800 euros gross per monthexcluding premium. In addition, they will be housed, fed and equipped by the army, and will benefit from a 75% reduction on their journeys with the SNCF.
