French Army Chief Gen. Fabien Mandon has made a controversial statement urging citizens to accept the possibility of losing young people in military service, as President Emmanuel Macron prepares to introduce a plan for voluntary, paid military service to bolster France’s armed forces against Russian threats. The plan, expected to be presented soon, aims to address the country’s military readiness in light of the ongoing security challenges posed by Russia. The announcement has ignited a national conversation about the balance between national duty and personal sacrifice in times of geopolitical tension.