The new Defence and Citizenship Day launched in Saint Martin
On Wednesday 10 June, the Elections Department of the Collectivity of Saint Martin organised a Defence and Citizenship Day (JDC) at the Émile Choisy School. The event was attended by the Prefect of Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy, Cyrille Le Vély, and was led by Lieutenant-Colonel Richard, Director of the Guadeloupe National Service and Youth Centre.
A compulsory requirement for all young French people aged 17 and over, the JDC is an essential step in the journey towards citizenship. After registering at the age of 16, all residents of Saint-Martin undertake their JDC from the age of 17. The individual certificate of participation issued at the end of the day is required, in particular, to register for certain exams, competitive examinations, training courses or administrative procedures.
A day of immersion
Since 1 January, the new format of the JDC has been rolled out in the Overseas Territories. Beyond providing administrative information, the day aims to give young participants a better understanding of the army’s roles. Entitled “7 hours – 7 highlights”, it is divided into seven workshops. Divided into three groups and identified by blue, white and red bibs, the teenagers began the day with a flag-raising ceremony. The programme included the raising of the tricolour flag, the singing of La Marseillaise and a reading of the Charter of Rights and Duties of the French Citizen. The morning then continued with various workshops. These included laser shooting, talent and aptitude tests, role-play, a careers forum with the Gendarmerie and the RSMA, as well as virtual reality experiences through films showcasing military equipment, such as tanks and aircraft. The meal, served as a military ration, also gave participants a taste of what life is really like on an operation. In short, the message is clear: “The army is recruiting” and the recruitment drive is underway.
In Saint-Martin, six to seven JDCs are organised each year. The one on 10 June concluded in the early afternoon with a “republican farewell”, marked by a handshake, the presentation of a certificate of participation and a cornflower.
