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What role do the white kepi and green beret have in French Foreign Legion uniforms?
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French Foreign Legion
Soldiers of the French Foreign Legion in a parade celebrating Bastille Day in Paris.
In the French Foreign Legion, the white kepi and green beret serve distinct roles in the uniform and identity of a legionnaire:
- Képi blanc (White Kepi): This is the traditional headgear of the legion. New recruits are awarded the white kepi during an impressive torchlight ceremony upon the completion of their basic training. It serves as a powerful symbol of the legion's history and identity, and the unit's magazine is even titled Képi blanc.1
- Green Beret: This serves as the legion's official battle-dress headgear, worn during active duty and combat operations.1
While the white kepi is a celebrated traditional element used to foster esprit de corps and honor the legion's heritage, the green beret is the functional headgear for modern military service.1