Amidst escalating apprehension of conflict, French citizens enlist in military reserves
In recent years, a growing number of European countries have been increasing their military manpower or considering doing so, as concerns about security and defense rise. This trend is evident in nations such as Lithuania, Sweden, Latvia, Poland, Germany, and even France, where reservists have seen a significant increase over the past decade.
One of the factors contributing to this uptick in reservists is the growing alarm over an increasingly aggressive Russia and doubts about the United States under President Donald Trump's commitment to defend Europe. A report by think tanks Bruegel and Germany's Kiel Institute estimated that Europe could need 300,000 more troops in the short term to deter Russian aggression, without US support.
France, for instance, ended compulsory military service over two decades ago. However, tens of thousands of French citizens are now applying for the reserves. The task of training these new reservists falls to places like the 24th Infantry Regiment in Versailles, a regiment founded in the 17th century and now experiencing a wave of applications for its training sessions.
The 24th Infantry Regiment is responsible for the training of new reservists in France, conducting rigorous and intensive military training for recruits of various ages. The training sessions, attended by individuals aged 17-57, include marathon days of learning combat techniques, using weapons safely, learning to march, and using communication equipment.
This trend is not limited to France. Poland plans to offer military training to 100,000 civilians yearly, and Germany is currently on a recruitment drive, with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warning that conscription may be reinstated if too few people volunteer.
The commitment to defend their countries is evident in the actions of individuals like Constance, a second-year law student at Sorbonne University, who received her military training from a Paris-area regiment during the summer break. Similarly, Constance's fellow Sorbonne University student, Gabriel, and Bertrand, a municipal employee in his 30s, have signed up for five years in the reserves following their training, citing a duty to defend their country following terrorist attacks in France.
President Emmanuel Macron has also shown a commitment to boosting military investment. He plans to sharply boost military investment, aiming for €64 billion ($75 billion) in 2027, twice the level of 2017. This increased investment is likely to further fuel the trend of increased military training across Europe.
Gabriel, a 23-year-old engineer, applied for the reserves due to concerns about his country's future, particularly following the 2015 Bataclan terrorist attack in Paris. His decision to join the reserves underscores the growing sentiment among European citizens that they must take an active role in protecting their countries.
As Europe navigates the complexities of a changing geopolitical landscape, it is clear that the importance of a strong military and well-trained reservists is not lost on its citizens. The 24th Infantry Regiment in Versailles, and similar institutions across Europe, play a crucial role in ensuring that these citizens are prepared to defend their countries when needed.
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