Journée Défense et Citoyenneté (JDC)

JDC Overview

• JDC means "Journée Défense et Citoyenneté" which translates to Citizenship and Defense Day.
• Previously known as JAPD ("Journée d'Appel de Préparation à la Défense").
• Established in France during Jacques Chirac's reform of national service in 1997.
• This mandatory day was introduced when obligatory military service was suspended.

JDC as Part of the Citizenship Path

• The third step in the mandatory citizenship journey for young French citizens.
• The first step is defense education in 9th and 11th grade.
• The second step is mandatory registration at the town hall/city hall.

Goals of the JDC

• To address topics of citizenship and defense.
• To promote recruitment into the military.

Requirements for Participation

• Registration at the town hall/city hall of residence is required.
• Registration is possible from the age of 16.
• A registration certificate is issued, and it is valid until JDC participation or age 18.
• After registration, the file is sent to the nearest National Service Center.

Summons and Scheduling

• Summons are usually delivered between 10 months and a year after registration.
• Summons are received approximately 45 days before the JDC date.
• Location and date are assigned based on available spots at reception sites.
• In case of conflicts, a second or even a third date can be proposed.

Obligation and Attendance

• Mandatory for all French citizens aged 17-25, whether residing in France or abroad.
• Participants must bring a photo ID like an identity card or passport on the JDC day.
• JDC lasts 8.5 hours.
• Participants are divided into groups of about 50.
• Each group is supervised by personnel from the National Service Center and two military or civilian facilitators.
• The day begins with a welcome speech from the session leader, who is National Service Center personnel.

JDC Program Structure

• Module 1: "We live in an unstable world, a necessary defense."
• Module 2: "An appropriate response, our defense system."
• Module 3: "You have a role to play, a civic commitment."

Testing

• A mandatory French language test is administered.
• The test includes vocabulary, text comprehension, and speed sections.
• The test takes 25 minutes.
• A device is used for automatic response submission.

Activities

• A one-hour defense and security activity is included.
• Offers youth citizen information, focusing on road safety awareness and the right to information.
• Visiting military installations is a possibility.
• Lunch and a snack are provided.

Certification

• An individual participation certificate is issued at the end of the JDC.
• The certificate must be kept carefully.
• It is required for any test, competition, or examination under public authority control.
• Examples of when it's needed: baccalaureate, driver's license, public service competitions, and enrollment in a public university.
• Must be kept until the age of 25.
• If lost or stolen, a duplicate can be requested from the National Service Center (in person, by mail, or email) with a copy of your ID.

Post-JDC Information

• Participants receive €8 as compensation for travel expenses a few weeks after JDC.
• Any change of circumstance until the age of 25 must be reported.
• Examples: moving for more than four months, marriage, birth of a child.
• Use the Cerfa form 11718*05 for these declarations
• These declarations should be sent to the National Service Center by mail or email.

Citizenship and Defense Day (JDC) in France, formerly JAPD, is a mandatory step in the citizenship path for young French citizens. It aims to address citizenship and defense topics, promote military recruitment, and requires registration at the town hall from age 16.