In early February 2025, a platoon of enlisted volunteers from the French Foreign Legion’s 4th Foreign Regiment (4e RE) completed their initial four-week instruction on a remote farm and were entitled to take the oath, earn the White kepi (Képi blanc), and be called legionnaires.
The ceremony for the 2nd Platoon, 3rd Enlisted Volunteer Company took place on February 2, in Avignonet-Lauragais. This is a commune in southwestern France, not far from Castelnaudary, the garrison of the 4e RE.
The four-month basic training of the Foreign Legion traditionally begins with a four-week introduction on one of the regiment’s three isolated farms situated around Castelnaudary. At the end of this initial instruction, a two-day march with full kit follows (about 40 miles / 60 km). It is known as the Marche de Képi blanc (White Kepi March). Every enlisted volunteer (the so-called EV) has to pass this test in order to be entitled to take the military oath and put the sacred White Kepi on his head. This ceremony is known as Remise de Képi blanc, White Kepi Ceremony. It is usually held in a different location across (southern) France.
The fresh legionnaires still have to continue their basic training for another three months. Good luck.
PHOTOS: Remise de Kepi blanc in Avignonet-Lauragais, February 2, 2025
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Related posts:
4e RE: 2024 Remise de Kepi blanc in Monaco
4e RE: 2024 Foreign Legion Half Marathon
Major Franck M. : The Legion was my chance
4e RE: A 2023 short documentary on the Foreign Legion’s method of integration