PARIS, — April 20, 2026 : The French Army has confirmed plans to establish a third division dedicated to the Operational Defense of the Territory (DOT), marking a structural shift aimed at strengthening homeland security while maintaining overseas operational commitments. The announcement was made by General Pierre Schill, Chief of Staff of the French Army (CEMAT), during a military thought conference in Paris.
The new division will be primarily composed of reservists and volunteers and is intended to safeguard critical national functions if France’s active combat forces are deployed abroad, including potential high-intensity engagements in Europe.
Strategic Reorganization for Domestic Defense
France’s land forces have historically relied on two primary divisions: the 1st Division based in Besançon and the 3rd Division based in Marseille. Under existing doctrine, one division is typically committed to NATO missions while the other remains available for national protection or secondary operations.
The evolving security environment, described by General Schill as increasingly constrained and unpredictable, has led to a reassessment of this structure. In scenarios where both active divisions are deployed—such as a large-scale “Central Europe” type operation—the new third division would assume responsibility for territorial defense, protection of vital infrastructure, and continuity of government functions within France.
Expansion of the Operational Reserve
The viability of the third division is tied to a significant expansion of France’s operational reserve forces and the rollout of the National Service (SNU).
Military planning outlines the following targets:
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80,000 reservists by 2030
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105,000 reservists by 2035
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A force ratio of one reservist for every two active-duty soldiers
As of September 2025, the French Army reported 29,527 operational reservists, with an average age of 38. More than half of the projected reserve force—approximately 40,000 to 50,000 personnel—is expected to support the new division.
The National Service program, scheduled to begin in September 2026, will further expand personnel availability. Initial intake figures include 3,000 volunteers in 2026–2027, increasing to 4,000 in 2027–2028, and reaching 10,000 annually by 2030. Participants aged 18 to 25 will serve 10-month contracts, with pathways into the operational reserve (RO1) or availability reserve (RO2).
Organizational Development and Timeline
The creation of the third division follows a phased approach already underway:
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2024–2025: Each of the seven combined-arms brigades established a dedicated reserve battalion
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2025: Support brigades added additional reserve battalions, bringing the total to around a dozen units
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2026: Formation of a consolidated reserve brigade
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2030: Full integration into a division-level territorial structure
These developments build on recent training activities, including the Vulcain exercise in October 2025 in Haute-Loire, where 800 reservists conducted simulations involving destabilization scenarios. Larger exercises such as the ORION series continue to integrate reserve and active units.
“Combat Garrison” Concept and Local Response
A central feature of the new structure is the “combat garrison” concept, designed to ensure local responsiveness. More than 50 percent of reservists reside within 30 kilometers of their assigned units, enabling rapid deployment in support of internal security operations.
This localized presence allows reservists to assist civil authorities, including law enforcement, firefighting services, and medical responders, particularly during crises affecting population resilience.
Equipment and Funding Framework
To ensure operational effectiveness, the French government has allocated increased funding under the Military Programming Law (LPM) 2024–2030:
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30 percent increase in reserve funding between 2020 and 2025
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€550 million earmarked for equipping reservists and National Service personnel
The Army is developing a dedicated equipment framework known as the DAGUE program (Défense de l'Arrière et Gestion des Unités Élargies). This program will provide equipment tailored to territorial missions, including:
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Mobile-network-compatible communication systems
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Individual and collective weapon systems
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Transport vehicles and logistical trucks
The DAGUE system complements the SCORPION program, which equips active combat units, ensuring that reserve forces receive adapted but effective capabilities. Equipment will include both modernized legacy systems and new acquisitions, with full capability targeted by 2030.
Command, Structure, and Legal Considerations
The project remains under development, with ongoing work focused on command arrangements, legal frameworks, and integration with regional defense structures. Key considerations include:
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Coordination with France’s defense and security zones
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Command relationships between active and reserve components
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Potential expansion of existing regiments versus creation of dedicated reserve units
These elements are being addressed as part of broader updates to France’s military programming framework.
Operational Rationale and Force Structure Impact
The establishment of the third division addresses several operational requirements:
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Maintaining territorial security while fulfilling NATO and EU commitments
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Providing sufficient force mass for sustained operations
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Enhancing national resilience through integration of civilian volunteers
With approximately 118,600 active personnel, the French Army is adapting its force structure to enable simultaneous high-intensity operations abroad and continuous domestic protection.
The third division is expected to serve as a structural link between professional forces, reservists, and civilian volunteers, forming a layered defense model aligned with current strategic requirements.
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