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It wasn't yet 8am when Lieutenant-Colonel Steve Richard welcomed the young people of Saint-Barthélemy to the Salle des délibérations at the Hôtel de la Collectivité territoriale. 53 teenagers have been summoned to take part in the Defense and Citizenship Day organized by the National Service Center. Although not all responded to the invitation, the military detachment from Guadeloupe noted that the number of young people present was substantial.
To ensure the morning's proceedings ran smoothly, Lieutenant-Colonel Richard (Director of the National Service Center in Guadeloupe) was accompanied by Major Jean-Luc, Chief Warrant Officer Stéphanie and Master Corporal Christophe. First of all, it was pointed out that attending the JDC ensures that young people obtain a certificate that will enable them to take the driving test or the baccalaureate. But the day is also, and above all, a reminder of the fundamentals of the French Republic. "And the need to defend our values," says Lieutenant-Colonel Richard. "Liberty, equality, fraternity, of course, but also social cohesion," adds the officer. It didn't all happen by itself. When they were born, there were roads, schools, all that is important and must be preserved. So taking an interest in defense is essential. So that our children can live at least as well as we do. Which, in today's world, sometimes seems slightly compromised. "
Those called up must also pass a series of tests. Nothing too complicated, on the face of it, but they allow us to assess the level of the teenagers. "For those with a good academic background, as in Saint-Barth, it seems ridiculous because there are no particular problems, but in other places it's not useless", assures the CSN director.
A new format
Up until now, the aim of the JDC has not been to interest young people in a career in the army, but the format has changed somewhat. Starting in January, the format will change," explains the officer. There will still be tests in the morning, but then we'll be running a strategy game to introduce them to the work of the GIGN or the navy, in the form of games. Virtual reality headsets will be used to present the different military formations, from alpine hunters to commandos, to try and interest them. Then there's shooting with laser rifles and, at lunchtime, a lunch with rations. So there's a recruitment aim. "
Listening to those called up during the break, it seems that there won't be much recruiting going on in Saint-Barthélemy. Even so, nothing is impossible. For, as Lieutenant-Colonel Richard reminds us, the presence of representatives from overseas territories in the army is essential. "It's part of our diversity, and opens our minds to many different points of view and visions," says the officer. Who knows, maybe one day, the captain of one of the French Navy ships docking on Saint-Barthélemy will be a local.
What did they think?
Alexandre Tréssières, 17
I now live in Toulouse. I'm in high school, so I'm going into my final year and I've passed the French bac. The JDC is a bit long. You can see that they're still trying to recruit us into the army. Well, I'm not interested, but I find it interesting all the same.
Arthur Bruel, 16
I go to a secondary school in Hyères. For the JDC, you get to see what the army's like and all that. It's fun, you learn things.
Jules Lestin
I'm at the Cned, so I'm home-schooled. Citizenship day? That's nice. I wouldn't say no to a free breakfast!
Clémentine Gréaux, 18
I go to high school in Germany. The JDC is good. I think it's a shame that you can only shoot a rifle from next year, because I'd really like to do that too.
