On Thursday, November 5, 2026, 240 middle school students aged 14 to 16 participated in the official launch ceremony for the 2026-2027 promotion of the Defense Cadets. The event took place in Brignoles, attended by Jean-Louis Masson, president of the Departmental Council, and Valérie Rialland, departmental councilor and president of the Colleges commission. They were accompanied by Chantal Lassoutanie, first deputy mayor of Brignoles and departmental councilor, and Joseph Sinigaglia, municipal councilor for defense matters.
This ceremony marks a significant moment in civic engagement, during which the students were invited to share their motivations and perceptions of the spirit of defense before receiving the Cadet's Charter. This document formalizes their commitment to diligently follow the program and adhere to behavioral rules.
The 2026-2027 promotion is placed under the patronage of Françoise Concas-Montiel, a 96-year-old former Resistance fighter from World War II and a resident of Trans-en-Provence. Her journey embodies the values of courage and commitment that the program aims to promote among young generations.
The Var department is particularly involved in this program, which serves as a link between youth and the armed forces. Twenty Defense Cadet centers are spread across the national territory, with six located in the Var: Brignoles, Canjuers, Hyères, Fréjus, Ollioules, and Toulon. The ceremony was attended by Emmanuel Roux, rector of the Nice academy, Colonel Nicolas Rynine, departmental military delegate for the Var, and Ludovic Sar, president of HIDEN Var Méditerranée.
