The Minister of National Education, Édouard Geffray, announced at the Paris Forum for Defense and Strategy on March 25th, that participation in “defense and global security classes” would now be mentioned on high school diplomas and highlighted on the Parcoursup platform. These classes, aimed at middle and high school students, will now last three years instead of one, and will be renamed “national defense and cohesion classes” in high schools. The objective is to raise awareness about defense issues in the context of rising tensions and potential conflicts internationally. However, concerns have been raised about the implementation of these classes.
On November 6th, 2025, a citizen rally was organized for the “defense and global security class” at Michelet High School in Fontenay-sous-Bois. During the rally, students were exposed to activities like “Experiencing Life as a Prisoner”, which involved role-playing exercises where some students acted as prisoners and others as prison guards. This controversial activity aimed to teach students not to resist law enforcement.
Virginie, the mother of a 14-year-old student named Roman, expressed her concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the defense classes initiative. Upon discovering that these classes would involve regular interventions by the military in her son’s school, she voiced her objections to the school authorities with no success.
The controversy surrounding these classes has prompted discussions about the militarization of education and concerns about the potential indoctrination of students. Critics argue that the government’s push to integrate the military into schools reflects a broader agenda to promote militaristic values and nationalism among the youth.
The growing presence of the military in educational settings is part of a larger trend towards tightening bonds between the military and the education system. Initiatives like defense classes are seen as a way to bridge the gap between the armed forces and the younger generation, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. However, there are fears of potential “indoctrination” and concerns about the impact on critical thinking and civic education.
As the debate around defense education continues, educators and activists advocate for a clear separation between the military and the education system. They argue that schools should focus on promoting democratic values and critical thinking, rather than nationalism and militarization.
