It will move from conscription to an all-professional army, cutting the size of French forces from 500,000 to 350,000, over the next six years. In a television interview explaining the plan, the most drastic change in strategic planning in 30 years, Chirac emphasized that France would continue to rely on its nuclear deterrent for defense against any outside threat. After more than two centuries of conscription, Chirac has acknowledged that to possess a modern defense, the army must be made up of professional soldiers. France must have the capacity to deploy abroad in a rapid and organized fashion a significant force of about 50,000-60,000 men. Today it can only manage 10,000.
Rapid deployment is essential to meet more diffuse threats to the country's global interests.
According to the government, the cost of a professional army will remain the same as today as far as operational expenses are concerned, but will cost 15 percent less for equipment. The plan has raised questions from the opposition, but received widespread approval from the majority.