How did France maintain a strong army during the Revolution?

France was able to maintain a strong army during the Revolution was because the French Revolutionary Army worked with the “amalgamation” organized by the military strategist Lazare Carnot, who assembled in regiment and trained young volunteers who were full of enthusiasm at the thought of dying and fighting for liberty alongside with the old veterans from the former royal army.

After the creation of the amalgamated demi – bridge, they incorporated the new formation into their assault doctrine which gave them more flexibility on the battlefield, the column attack was used successfully throughout the revolutionary era and France was able to maintain a strong army during the Revolution.

Yes, it does seem incredible that a rabble of ill-fed, ill-clothed soldiers could win wars against rebellious citizens as well as most other European countries. The first reason for success was size, and the second, recklessness.

All men between the ages of 18 and 25 were forcibly conscripted for military service irrespective of capacity. Men in their 30's regularly volunteered or be called up. Soldiers' first few years in the military suffered disorganization and panic. Revolutionary hype meant officers too luxuriously might be mobbed and sent to the guillotine.

Even NCOs being too harsh might also be killed or stripped of his power. However, the absolutely massive army used to hardship, brutality and conflict could rush and intimidate more civilized armies. Then Napolean, a brilliant strategist, inspired his troops and led them to victory after victory as the eighteenth century turned into the nineteenth.