Overview

• France has added 12,000 reservists since January 2025, a sharp increase from 1,700 recruits in all of 2024.
• President Macron's March 5 address on the Ukraine conflict spurred 7,500 applications, emphasizing the need for national defense participation.
• The reserve now totals 45,000 members, with a long-term goal of reaching 105,000 by 2035 to address modern defense needs.
• Reservists, aged 17 to 72, serve in diverse roles, including cyber, logistics, and disaster response, with simplified recruitment processes and financial incentives boosting participation.
• Public concern over the Ukraine conflict spreading to Europe has heightened interest in military service, reflecting strong national support for defense efforts.