Sarkozy junior, 28, has spent most of his life in the US but has recently returned to France with the intention of entering politics - he intends to stand in next year's elections to become mayor of the small lemon-producing town of Menton in south-east France.
Speaking to RMC radio, he revealed that he believes that military service should be extended in France but that it should be voluntary - for most people.
However he wants military service to be compulsory for criminals, imposed as part of a judicial sentence, and for some immigrants.
"Why not introduce a lottery - say 10 percent - whereby all new legal immigrants would be obliged to serve in the army?" said Sarkozy.
"Firstly, this would act as a clear deterrent: many would hesitate to join us for fear of having to serve in uniform. Secondly, it would guarantee us a solid vector for assimilation."
He did not clarify what he meant by 'new' immigrants, whether his plan would distinguish between EU and non-EU citizens or whether there would be any consideration given to age, disability or medical conditions.
"You have to read Lyautey, in 1891, Le rôle social de l'officier (the social role of an officer)," he added. "He explained that the army is the great school of the nation, the place where workers and students, believers and atheists, rural and urban dwellers come together.
"When you put everyone in uniform, there are no clans, no Muslims or Christians, no categories. There's still one nation."
Even if Sarkozy is successful in his bid to become mayor of Menton, he would not have the power to force his constituents to join the army.
However his comments come in the context of a wider discussion about the return of voluntary military service.
At present only French citizens can join the French armed forces, with the exception of the Légion étrangere (French Foreign Legion) which accepts non-French citizens.
The Legion takes part in regular French military commitments both overseas and at home, including providing soldiers for Operation Sentinelle, the security operation that guards potential sites of terror attacks such as stations, airports and tourist sites.
Foreigners who have served for five years in the Legion, or two years and have been injured in the line of duty, are eligible to apply for French citizenship.
READ ALSO: Everything you need to know about the French Foreign Legion
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