William Molinié 06h10, October 06, 2022

According to information from Europe 1, the army's recruitment centers saw their activity increase markedly during the first four weeks of the war in Ukraine, with 40% more appointments compared to the same period in previous years.

What effects has the war in Ukraine had on recruitment into the French army?

According to information from Europe 1, the army recruitment centers, the CIRFAs distributed throughout the territory, saw their attendance increase during the first month following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in February. last.

Concretely, these are appointment bookings up 40% in the CIRFA.

>> READ ALSO

- Why will France strengthen its military presence in Southeastern Europe?

If all these appointments have not turned into signed contracts, it is a sign for Lieutenant-Colonel Hubert, of the army's recruitment center, that commitment remains a cardinal value within the youth. .

“Young people today need to give meaning to their lives, to their profession. And enlisting in the army allows them that,” he explains.

8,125 appointments made in September

After this wave of interest linked to the war in Ukraine, the curve returned to its usual levels before rising again last month, in September, with 8,125 appointments.

"We will have to see in the long term what the effects of this situation are", continues Lieutenant-Colonel Hubert at the microphone of Europe 1.

>> Find Europe Matin in replay and podcast here

At a time when the Army must gain strength in the face of the threat of the return of high-intensity warfare – a message which will be hammered home again this Thursday morning by the Chief of the Army Staff , General Pierre Schill, during the presentation of the capacities on the site of Satory in the Yvelines -, these contacts are considered necessary to be able to recruit the best profiles.

Each year, the army, France's leading recruiter, hires 16,000 soldiers.