Young people

A new version of Defense and Citizenship Day

Publié le 30 juillet 2025 - Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Every year, 800,000 young people are called to perform their Defense and Citizenship Day (DCD). A new version will be gradually generalized from September 2025 in order to allow them to be more involved in this day. Service-Public.fr explains how these highlights will be organized.

What is the JDC?

Defense and Citizenship Day (DCD), formerly known as Defense Readiness Call Day (DPRK), was established in 1997 to replace military service. This half-day allows you to discover the military world and its professions. It also aims to develop the spirit of citizenship. The JDC is mandatory for all young French people aged 16 to 25. They are summoned once they have completed the mandatory citizen census.

Please note

The certificate of participation in the JDC will be required to register for an exam (baccalaureate, driving license...).

What's new for Defense and Citizenship Day?

The new version of the JDC will take place on 7 hours, from 8.30 to 15.30. The typical day will include 7 highlights:

  • Ceremony of colors, La Marseillaise, reading of the Charter of Rights and Duties of the French Citizen
  • Role Play Workshop to Understand Defense
  • Workshop tests to discern talents and abilities
  • Laser sport shooting workshop
  • Meal served as a military ration
  • Trades Forum: presence of the Defense and the National Gendarmerie, immersion in virtual reality
  • Goodbye Republican

Please note

Find all the information on the next generation Defense and Citizenship Day (JDC) in a infographic of the Ministry of Defense.

Calendar

  • 2025 – 2026: Progressive generalization of the new JDC
  • 2026: Target of 20,000 JDC organized

FYI  

By 2028, 1,000 reservists will be recruited gradually for management.

Additional topics

Agenda

See all due dates