#national-service

#national-service

Teenagers in the United Kingdom will be offered paid gap years with the armed forces under a new whole of society approach to national defence that aims to increase recruitment among young people, according to reports. The London-based i Paper reported on Friday that the UK's Ministry of Defence hopes the scheme will broaden the appeal of military careers for British youth as tensions with Russia rise across Europe.

French political drama, cultural landmarks, key public figures and a bit of French language - see how much you remember about 2025 in France with our quiz of the year. The year 2025 has been a bit of a rollercoaster in France - from political drama to high profile heists, via a series of cultural landmarks. See how much of it you remember with our Quiz of the Year.

President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday unveiled a new program meant to bolster France's armed forces by training thousands of volunteers aged 18 and 19 starting next year, part of a broader response to concerns over Russia's threat to European nations beyond the war in Ukraine. The young volunteers will serve in uniform for 10 months in France's mainland and oversea territories only, not in military operations abroad, Macron said in a speech at the Varces military base, which is located in the French Alps.

Asking boomers to serve in a new national service can help mend a society splintered by austerity, utilizing their skills to benefit the community.