In the face of increasing threats, companies must allow their employees to serve France, as stated by Sébastien Lecornu during a visit to Guyancourt (Yvelines) on April 17th. The Minister of the Armed Forces emphasized the need for a long-term approach to managing crises, calling for a form of French capitalism patriotism. The government’s goal is ambitious: by 2022, Emmanuel Macron announced plans to double the number of army reservists by 2030, reaching 80,000 individuals. Currently, just over 41,000 civilians, including 23% women, are part of the operational reserve, with an average engagement period of one to five years and an average age of 39. The aim is to have one reservist for every two active military personnel.
To achieve this goal, the government aims to facilitate engagement in the operational reserve and put an end to “clandestine reservists” who hide their status from their employers out of fear of repercussions in their professional careers. The new Military Programming Law 2024-2030, adopted in the summer of 2023, has extended the period of employee deployment that companies cannot refuse from five to ten days. However, further measures are needed as reservists must train and practice for at least thirty days a year to be operational. In 2023, civilian reserve members dedicated an average of thirty-six days to the military, mostly on weekends or vacation days, which poses a barrier to doubling the reservist numbers.
In order to address this challenge, businesses and local authorities are encouraged to sign partnership agreements with the National Guard, which includes reservists from the military, police, and gendarmerie, totaling 77,000 individuals. The objective is to define the terms of employee deployment, including the number of days they can be absent and whether or not their salaries will be maintained. Reservists receive a daily salary of 50 to 130 euros, depending on their grade and qualification, which is fully tax-free. While the law does not mandate the maintenance of salary during deployment, it is seen as a patriotic gesture for companies to do so. These efforts aim to increase support for reserve forces and ensure they can contribute effectively to national security.
The shift towards a more proactive involvement of employees in the reserve forces also calls for a change in mindset within companies and society. It requires a willingness to prioritize national defense and security, and accept the temporary absence of employees who choose to serve as reservists. By promoting a culture of support for reserve forces, businesses can contribute to strengthening the country’s defense capabilities and resilience in the face of evolving threats. This collaborative effort between the government, businesses, and local authorities is essential to meet the ambitious target of doubling the number of reservists by 2030.
Ultimately, the call for increased engagement of employees in the reserve forces reflects a broader trend towards a more comprehensive approach to national security and defense. As threats become more complex and enduring, the need for a strong and adaptable reserve force becomes increasingly important. By fostering a sense of patriotism and civic duty among the workforce, companies can play a vital role in supporting the nation’s defense efforts. The government’s initiatives to expand the reserve forces and encourage greater participation from businesses and local authorities are crucial steps towards enhancing national security and resilience in the face of modern challenges.
