Organized by the Directorate of National Service and Youth (DSNJ) and supported by the Army-Youth Commission (CAJ), the Army-Youth Prize distinguishes projects characterized by their originality, their positive impact on youth as well as their potential for transposition into other institutional or territorial contexts. In 2026, 48 applications were received (+30% compared to 2025), which shows the growing popularity of this system launched in 2003 by the Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs.
343 young people took part in the ceremony at the military school, including students from defense classes, young people from the civic service of the Paris Fire Brigade, the youth air squadron from Evreux, the Marine Nationale military preparation from Suresnes, the voluntary military service from Bretigny-sur-Orge, scouts and guides of France, scouts and guides of Europe and cadets of the National Gendarmerie.Â
The prizes were presented by the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Fabien Mandon, Lieutenant General Pierre-Joseph Givre, director of national and youth service, Commander Arnaud Prost, Awacs pilot and member of the European Space Agency astronaut reserve, Warrant Officer Eugénie Brisevin (@chefeugenie2.0), content creator, Army ambassador and 1e female instructor from France in the field of hand-to-hand combat, Sergeant Hugo Lapalus, French cross-country skier and Olympic medalist, the graffiti artist Crey 132, Rear Admiral Bertrand Dumoulin, secretary general of the defense academy of the military school, and the Olympic champion swimmer Alain Bernard, Gendarmerie reservist.
Introducing the awards ceremony, the Chief of Defense Staff returned to the importance of the themes addressed in the projects carried out: “These are challenges that I have asked our armies to work on.” Then he praised the investment of the young people present.
“Thank you for this engagement effort. There is nothing more beautiful than protecting peace. It is a precious good that cannot be acquired. HAS”
- chief of staff of the armed forces
- May 27, 2026
           Les lauréats du Prix armées-jeunesse 2026Â
The Army-Youth Prize is open to all entities reporting to the Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans, including the National Gendarmerie, as well as to civil society organizations in France and overseas. It is available in eight distinctions.
The Army-Youth Grand Prix
ATLAS Federation for its files “Reflecting on the strategic future of France, with youth, for youth” and its “Army-youth boot camp 2025”.
All candidates automatically compete for this prize. It rewards exceptional, daring action with tangible impact, in which all partners are fully invested.
Le Prix spécial du juryÂ
Association of cadets of the national gendarmerie of Seine-Maritime for the file “From cap to brushes: committed youth”.
It rewards a remarkable and original action bringing together young people and the armed forces.
The Army Discovery Prize
2 tied in 2026: the admiral commanding the naval action force in Toulon (ALFAN) for his file “The naval action force and the Anne-Sophie Pic hotel high school” and 1is regiment of African hunters (RCA) of Canjuers for its file “Defense cadets of the 1st RCA”
It rewards an action that has introduced the armies and their professions to younger generations.
Le Prix artsÂ
Condorcet College of Dourdan for its play “Trial of the death of Saint-Exupéry”
It rewards an initiative which uses the arts as a means of rapprochement and dialogue between the armies and civil society.
Le Prix innovationÂ
Armed Forces Cyber Defense Command for its immersive cyber combat exercise “DEFHACK”
It rewards a project remarkable for its innovative character and its creative solutions aimed at contributing to National Defense.
The Environment Prize
The association of cadets of the Hérault gendarmerie for the file “Let’s protect our planet! Let’s act now! HAS”
It rewards an initiative which is distinguished by remarkable collaboration between the armies and youth in favor of environmental protection and social responsibility.
Le Prix fraternitéÂ
The Seine-Saint-Denis departmental military delegation for the file “Building your future, commemorating the past”
It rewards an action which promotes the values of fraternity, mutual aid and solidarity between the military and civil society.
The ACADEM youth prize
The Institute for Advanced National Defense Studies (IHEDN) for the file “Communal centers of resilience – Citizen commitment to resist the manipulation of information”
It rewards a project which promotes reflection on defense issues among young people.
A career forum to discover the armies
After the ceremony, the young people were able to participate in a careers forum where the three armies, the General Directorate of Armaments and the National Guard were able to present their activities and career opportunities. The young people were thus able to better understand Defense professions and exchange with professionals.
Among the activities proposed, a collective artistic creation particularly attracted attention. Under the direction of the artist Crey 132, the young guests participated in the creation of a canvas measuring two by two meters, on which they were able to write and draw throughout the evening. The work will be exhibited to symbolize the commitment and creativity of young people, as if to recall Crey 132’s wish that “the French flag should bring us together, not divide us.”
The 2026 Army-Youth Prize, much more than a simple awards ceremony, is today a true celebration of the commitment of young people, their creativity and their desire to serve the Nation. Through varied activities and enriching exchanges, this edition highlighted the fundamental values of the armies and defense services.
