# France ends compulsory military service (1996)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1996-france-ends-compulsory-military-service
Location: France

Reforms began transition toward a professional armed forces model. Within the broader Fifth Republic period, The 1958 Constitution created a stronger presidency and a durable Fifth Republic. Decolonization, European integration, social change, economic shocks and recurring debates over identity, secularism and the role of the state have shaped contemporary France. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Jacques Chirac (President of the French Republic). France ends compulsory military service is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
France ends compulsory military service is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France.

Ruler at the time: [Jacques Chirac](https://history-france.com/rulers/jacques-chirac)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — France ends compulsory military service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=France+ends+compulsory+military+service&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — France ends compulsory military service](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=France+ends+compulsory+military+service)
- [Élysée — Institutions of the Fifth Republic](https://www.elysee.fr/en/french-presidency/the-institutions)