National Service
Verified 15 September 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)
You want to perform a national service within the armies ? It's a commitment military, voluntary and selective. You must be 18 to 25 years. The national service will begin in September 2026, with about 3,000 volunteers. We tell you the information you need to know depending on whether you wish apply to perform a national service 2026 or in 2027.
Infographie - Journey of the candidate for national service
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The document presents, in the form of a frieze, the successive stages of the journey of a candidate wishing to integrate the national service within the French armies. It highlights six main phases, described below:
- Application
The candidate is informed about the national service during the day of mobilization.
The candidate files his file via the official sites of recruitment of the armies or with his CIRFA. - Pre-selection
The host army assesses the candidate's profile, skills and motivations. - Medical visit & authorization
Like any soldier, the candidate passes:- a full medical examination
- an authorization check.
- Initial military training (1 month)
The candidate undergoes training that includes military discipline, shooting instruction, sports training, first aid and group cohesion. - Mission in unit (9 months)
The candidate joins a unit in metropolitan France or overseas.
It helps to: protect, support and contribute its expertise. - Integration in reserve
At the end of his service, he integrates the reserve of availability.
2026
Conditions
You must be 18 to 25 years.
You must be from french nationality.
You must have a good physical condition.
No level of education is not required.
The national service is inconsistent with another professional activity.
FYI
You can temporarily suspend your studies to perform a national service. If you are a public servant, you can take unpaid leave to do so.
Pre-selection
Your skills and motivations are examined during a training phase. pre-selection.
You have to pass a medical examination complete with a military doctor.
You must also complete a file as part of a security review.
The national service lasts 10 months.
The duration cannot be split.
The contract becomes final after a probationary period of 1 month.
The national service takes place in 2 phases.
Initial training
National service begins with initial military training of 1 month (community life, sport, combat, first aid, discipline, civic duty, military values, etc.)
Mission on the national territory
You then carry out a mission of 9 months in a military unit, in mainland or overseas, exclusively on national territory.
A position is offered to you before the incorporation (before the initial military training).
All positions are open to women and men.
Examples of missions carried out : Sentinel missions, patrols, guard, logistical support, transport, administrative support.
FYI
Expertise missions (economic intelligence, engineering, etc.) are intended for young people with dedicated expertise and qualifications.
You must be 18 to 25 years.
You must be from french nationality.
You must have a good physical condition.
No level of education is not required.
The national service is inconsistent with another professional activity.
FYI
You can temporarily suspend your studies to perform a national service. If you are a public servant, you can take unpaid leave to do so.
During your national service, you receive a balance of about €800 gross per month.
Please note
For fellows, the balance is not included in the resources for the award of a fellowship.
You are fed and housed (in barracks).
You benefit from the military SNCF card (75% discount on national lines).
You benefit from 21 days of leave during the 10 months of your national service.
Parcoursup
The national service can be performed as a gap year.
You can either keep your wish for assignment or re-apply by valuing the experience gained.
Military Reserve
You join the operational reserve availability for 5 years.
2027
Conditions
You must be 18 to 25 years.
You must be from french nationality.
You must have a good physical condition.
No level of education is not required.
The national service is inconsistent with another professional activity.
FYI
You can temporarily suspend your studies to perform a national service. If you are a public servant, you can take unpaid leave to do so.
Pre-selection
Your skills and motivations are examined during a training phase. pre-selection.
You have to pass a medical examination complete with a military doctor.
You must also complete a file as part of a security review.
The national service lasts 10 months.
The duration cannot be split.
The contract becomes final after a probationary period of 1 month.
The national service takes place in 2 phases.
Initial training
National service begins with initial military training of 1 month (community life, sport, combat, first aid, discipline, civic duty, military values, etc.)
Mission on the national territory
You then carry out a mission of 9 months in a military unit, in mainland or overseas, exclusively on national territory.
A position is offered to you before the incorporation (before the initial military training).
All positions are open to women and men.
Examples of missions carried out : Sentinel missions, patrols, guard, logistical support, transport, administrative support.
FYI
Expertise missions (economic intelligence, engineering, etc.) are intended for young people with dedicated expertise and qualifications.
You are summoned to the day of mobilization (ex-JDC) in the year you turn 17.
On this day, you can express your interest in the national service by completing a detailed questionnaire to better identify your skills and motivations.
After the day, you confirm your application via the Defense+ application.
You will be summoned for selection : maintenance, initial medical examination and security check.
You will receive a reply by 31 march of the year of incorporation.
FYI
Young French people living abroad will also be able to apply according to adapted procedures to be specified.
During your national service, you receive a balance of about €800 gross per month.
Please note
For fellows, the balance is not included in the resources for the award of a fellowship.
You are fed and housed (in barracks).
You benefit from the military SNCF card (75% discount on national lines).
You benefit from 21 days of leave during the 10 months of your national service.
Parcoursup
The national service can be performed as a gap year.
You can either keep your wish for assignment or re-apply by valuing the experience gained.
Military Reserve
You join the operational reserve availability for 5 years.
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