Starting in September 2025, the JDC will put back on its boots and fatigues. Students and young people in France will discover its new militarized version, echoing the military service abolished in 1997. From the flag ceremony to strategy workshops and laser sport shooting, here’s everything you need to know about this new-generation JDC.

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A Radical Turning Point for French Youth

Starting in September 2025, the Defense and Citizenship Day (JDC) will undergo its most significant transformation since its creation in 1998. The army is modernizing, replacing outdated questionnaires with a resolutely militarized version that is expected to reshape the experience of 800,000 young French people every year.

This shift, announced by Emmanuel Macron last January, reflects the French government’s intention to “reconnect a civilian youth with the reality of the armed forces” in a tense geopolitical context. But what is really behind this militarization of the JDC? Is it just a simple makeover or a true return to the roots of military service?

From Theory to Practice: A Revolutionized Typical Day

A Wake-Up Call to the Tricolor Flag

The new JDC begins at 8:30 a.m. with a ceremony that stands in sharp contrast to the previous version. Young participants will now be welcomed by the raising of the flag and the national anthem, immediately creating a solemn and patriotic atmosphere. This staging, directly inspired by military traditions, symbolically marks a break with the old format.

“Military songs at dawn, combat simulators, laser shooting, and cold rations: the Defense and Citizenship Day takes on a new tone”, confirms the Ministry of the Armed Forces. The stated goal is clear: to give participants the experience of “a typical day in the shoes of a soldier”.

Interactive Workshops at the Heart of the Program

The program of this new-generation JDC is structured around seven hands-on workshops supervised by active-duty military personnel. Among the most notable new features are:

• Laser Sport Shooting : It replaces the traditional theoretical presentations on national defense. This activity allows young people to get introduced to shooting techniques in a safe environment, while developing focus and accuracy.

• Strategy Games and Tactical Simulations : Students immerse themselves in scenarios inspired by contemporary military operations. These exercises aim to raise their awareness of strategic decision-making.

• Defense Careers Forums : These forums allow participants to discover the careers offered by the gendarmerie and the army. This exploration will be enhanced by virtual reality, a new technology that gives the French military a refreshed image—at least on the surface.

Military Logistics All the Way to the Meal

The immersion doesn’t stop at the activities: even the meals follow military codes. Traditional cafeteria lunches are replaced with military rations, the individual combat meals that soldiers take with them on missions. This culinary experience, often unsettling for those unfamiliar with it, is part of the new format’s drive for authenticity.

Between Stated Goals and Hidden Stakes

Attract to Recruit

Behind this militarization lies a recruitment objective openly acknowledged by the Ministry of the Armed Forces. Faced with the recruitment challenges of the French military, the JDC is becoming “the first step toward enlistment”. The ambition is clear: to attract new talent in order to reach 80,000 reservists by 2030, compared to 47,000 today.

This recruitment strategy relies on a hands-on introduction to military careers. Throughout the day, young people will be able to explore the various specialties offered by the armed forces—from cyber defense to special operations, including logistics and communications. In a context where the outlook on the jobs of tomorrow is highly uncertain, the Ministry of the Armed Forces is seizing the opportunity to highlight professions that remain, and will likely continue to be, carried out by humans.

A Tense Geopolitical Context

This reform comes at a particularly concerning time internationally, marked by the war in Ukraine and rising geopolitical tensions even among countries allied with France. The intent to raise youth awareness of defense issues reflects a collective need for preparation in the face of contemporary threats. In such a tense context, and following rather troubling announcements regarding the state of international geopolitics, it is only natural to question what will become of the young people who choose to join the army—especially on the ground.

“The goal of the JDC will be to recreate a typical day in the shoes of a soldier”, explains the ministry, reflecting a desire to familiarize citizens with military reality in a world where peace is no longer taken for granted.

The Debates Sparked by this Transformation

Between Enthusiasm and Concerns

This transformation of the JDC is far from unanimous. While some see it as a necessary update to civic and patriotic education, others worry about a militaristic drift in French society.

« For us, these announcements represent a serious step backward. After all, we have a generation of young people who are generally mobilizing for peace. », said Salomé Hoquard, vice president of UNEF (National Union of Students of France), speaking on FranceInfo on Sunday.

Pedagogical and Ethical Questions

Beyond political positions, our goal is to shed light on the true nature of this change for young people. The militarization of this JDC reflects an immediate need to prepare for conflict—a need already mentioned by Emmanuel Macron and by various EU countries following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine and the conflict between Palestine and Israel.

The goal of the Ministry of the Armed Forces with this kind of initiative has always been to bring as many people as possible into the military. But in such a geopolitical context, we have the right to question by what means our young people should choose to build lasting peace. And we also have the right to believe that it would be worthwhile to promote the different careers offered by the French government that focus on preventing war, rather than establishing peace through weapons.