France's Military Reserve Surges with 12,000 New Recruits in 2025

Driven by geopolitical tensions and Macron's call for citizen engagement, France's reserve force reaches 45,000 with plans to double by 2035.

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.