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The official answer: 1.5 million active soldiers since December 2024 In brief March 2026 figures Following Putin’s latest decree effective March 4, 2026, Russia officially has 1,502,640 active military personnel for a total of 2,391,770 people in the armed forces...

The quick answer: more than 205,000 active military personnel In brief Figures 2024-2025 France has about 205,000 active military personnel in 2025, plus 40,000 reservists and 60,000 civilians working at the Ministry of the Armed Forces, totaling 264,000 people. France...

The short answer: a legacy of Napoleon I In brief Paris firefighters have been military since the imperial decree of September 18, 1811, signed by Napoleon I. The Paris Fire Sappers Brigade (BSPP) is today a unit of the Army,...

Military license and civilian driving: the clear answer Absolutely essential to remember No, the military driving license (BMC) does not allow you to drive a civilian vehicle directly. Using a BMC on the road without conversion is punishable by a...

The military submarine: the ultimate weapon of the ocean depths The military submarine is undoubtedly the most formidable and mysterious weapon in the modern arsenal. Capable of moving completely stealthily at hundreds of meters depth, staying submerged for weeks or...

The military record: a genealogical treasure often overlooked How to find a military record? It is one of the most frequently asked questions by genealogy enthusiasts and by all those seeking to trace an ancestor’s military career. And for good...

Why the address of a military person follows precise rules How to address a military person when you are a civilian? This is a question many people ask themselves without daring to admit it for fear of making a mistake,...

Misconception: French military personnel do indeed vote! ✅ Did you know? Since the ordinance of August 17, 1945, French military personnel have fully enjoyed the right to vote. The question "why can't the military vote" is based on a persistent...

The military-style bed: discipline, hygiene, and pride How to make a military-style bed? It’s one of the first things you learn in the army and one of the last you forget. This technique, which involves stretching and tucking sheets impeccably...

Europe and defense: why the question of military power is more urgent than ever What is the top military power in Europe? The question in 2025 holds unprecedented strategic importance since the end of the Cold War. Between the war...

You served under the flag. Ten months, a year… sometimes more. And today, a question often comes up when reviewing your career: does military service count towards retirement, or is it just a “symbolic” line in your personal history? On...

A Salary or a Pay? What Military Remuneration Really Hides How much does a soldier earn in France? The answer is never simple. Unlike a typical employee, a soldier does not receive a “salary” but a pay, a historical term...

Short answer (the one everyone’s looking for): in France, it was President Jacques Chirac who decided to end mandatory military service. The political announcement was made in 1996, then the reform was enacted by law in 1997, with a transition...

Diving into the fascinating world of military personnel, we discover a myriad of elements that form their identity. Among these, their uniforms hold a prominent place. But what do we call this outfit that gives them such an imposing yet...

Welcome to the fascinating world of the Légion étrangère, a unique corps in the world that embodies both mystical aura and military pragmatism. This corps, emblematic of the French army, is made up of légionnaires from all backgrounds, united by...

Dive into the mysteries of military terminology. The multitude of terms used to describe military formations can often be confusing for the average person. Regiment, battalion, brigade, platoon... each word has its own history, meaning, and specific role within the...

In 2025, the world of weaponry witnesses constant innovations, with assault rifles becoming increasingly precise and powerful. These weapons, initially developed for the military forces, are now at the heart of passionate debates, blending technology and strategy. But what makes...

In the vast ocean of maritime history, certain terms resonate with particular strength. "Flagship" is one of those terms, evoking images of powerful vessels leading majestic fleets across the seas. But why, precisely, do we use the expression "flagship"? Is...

In the vast and complex military universe, terms like artillery and infantry often come up. These two branches of the army play crucial roles during a war. But what truly distinguishes artillery from infantry? For the uninitiated, these concepts may...

In a world where military technology continues to advance, assault rifles remain essential weapons for armies worldwide. These instruments of precision and power play a crucial role on modern battlefields. But among this array of formidable weapons, which one can...

When discussing Russian fighter jets, the Mig-29, known as the Fulcrum, stands as an iconic figure in military aviation for several decades. Designed by the Mikoyan bureau, this aircraft embodies Soviet pride and has become a cornerstone of the air...