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What is voluntary military service?

Verified 09 November 2022 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Voluntary military service (VMS) allows unemployed 18-25 year olds to learn a trade or work experience.

It is a military device aimed at young French people (from France or the foreigner) between the ages of 18 and 25 who are excluded from the labour market.

FYI  

Adapted Military Service (ADM) is a vocational integration device reserved for unemployed overseas youth.

  • You must meet the following conditions:
  • You are between 18 and 25 years old
  • You are a French citizen
  • You live in mainland France or abroad
  • You're in good standing with defence and citizenship day (JDC)
  • You're physically fit

No diploma is required to enter the device.

However, your situation varies depending on your degree:

  • No degree: you are trainee volunteer
  • CAP or higher: you are expert

FYI  

the content of the training and the level of remuneration will vary depending on whether you are a volunteer trainee or an expert.

Military Training

You benefit from basic military training and sports activities.

Driving licences and additional training

The following courses are offered:

  • Driver's licence
  • First Aid Training

You can also benefit from a school upgrade.

Vocational Training

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Volunteer Trainee

You get training in the job you choose.

Numerous jobs are offered, including:

  • Personal Services
  • Recovery
  • TSB
  • Transport/Logistics
  • Security
  • Agriculture
  • Agro-food
  • Electricity
  • Metallurgy

The training period is 400 hours maximum.

Expert Volunteer

You benefit from a 1re professional experience, e.g. in the following areas:

  • Leadership of a team of trainee volunteers
  • Driving Monitor

Please note

you have intensive job-search preparation.

You must complete an application by one of the following means:

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Online Application

You can choose one of the 7 centres present in the metropolis.

You must contact the centre for which you wish to apply.

You can use the following online service:

Online application for voluntary military service

Paper Folder

You can choose one of the centres present in the metropolis.

You must send your folder to the centre for which you want to apply:

Centre of Montigny-lès-Metz (Moselle)

You can download the application file:

SMV Application Form - Montigny-lès-Metz and Châlons-en-Champagne Centres

Centre of Châlons-en-Champagne (Marne)

You can download the application file:

SMV Application Form - Montigny-lès-Metz and Châlons-en-Champagne Centres

Centre of Brétigny-sur-Orge (Essonne)

You can download the application file:

Application file for the SMV - Centre de Brétigny-sur-Orge

Centre of La Rochelle (Charente-Maritime)

You can download the application file:

SMV Application Form - Centre de La Rochelle

Centre d'Ambérieu-en-Bugey (Ain)

You can download the application file:

SMV Application Form - Centre d'Ambérieu-en-Bugey

Centre of Brest (Finistère)

You can download the application file:

Application to the SMV - Centre of Brest

Centre of Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône)

You can download the application file:

Application to the SMV - Centre de Marseille

You can also contact Pôle emploi or the local mission near your home.

Who shall I contact

The selection of volunteers is based on the following criteria:

  • Medical visit
  • Motivation
  • Candidate's chosen path

FYI  

if you are pre-selected, you must pass an aptitude test and an interview.

You are supported for the duration of the SMV (accommodation, food, uniform).

You receive remuneration (balance) according to your situation:

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Volunteer Trainee

Your balance is at least €345 gross per month.

Expert Volunteer

Your balance is €745 per month.

Please note

you benefit from the SNCF military discount card.

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Volunteer Trainee

8 to 12 months

Expert Volunteer

The contract lasts 1 year.

It is renewable 4 times.

Online application for voluntary military service

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