4e RE: 2025 Remise de Kepi blanc in Charbonnières-les-Vieilles

In late August 2025, 42 enlisted volunteers from the French Foreign Legion’s 4th Foreign Regiment (4e RE) officially became legionnaires after completing a demanding 34-mile (55 km) march and receiving the iconic White kepi during a solemn ceremony in Charbonnières-les-Vieilles, central France.

The Remise de Képi blanc (White Kepi Ceremony), held in this small rural commune in the Puy-de-Dôme department on August 26, marked the successful completion of the first phase of the Legion’s demanding four-month basic training, which had taken place on one of the regiment’s remote training farms.

Representatives of the Amicale de la Légion étrangère du Puy-de-Dôme (a local Foreign Legion veterans’ association) were present at the ceremony to show their support and welcome the young legionnaires, led by Lieutenant Jean-Baptiste, into the Legion’s family.

Though they now officially hold the title of legionnaire, the platoon will continue with three more months of intense training before joining operational units.

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