It was modified several times over the decades, the last version being the 1900/1910 model. By that time it had evolved into a comparatively tall cylinder with the national emblem at the front and a cross-shaped Austrian knot on the crown. The wearer's rank was indicated by a system of horizontal and vertical bands of gold or silver braid. The kepi was also worn by officers of the General Staff. [14] [15] Peacekeeping operations in Lebanon at the corps of the United Nations Multinational Force during the Lebanese Civil War along with the 31 ème Brigade which included the 1st Foreign Regiment 1 er RE. Operation Épaulard I was spearheaded by Lieutenant-colonel Bernard Janvier. The Multinational Force also included the British Armed Forces 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards, U.S. American contingents of United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy, the French Navy and 28 exclusive French Armed Forces regiments including French paratroopers regiments, companies, units of the 11th Parachute Brigade along with the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment 2 e REP. The multinational force also included the Irish Armed Forces and units of the French National Gendarmerie, Italian paratroopers from the Folgore Brigade, and infantry units f The Hellenic Army and the paramilitary Hellenic Gendarmerie historically followed French patterns in organization, doctrine, and dress since its establishment. A dark blue (green for cavalry) kepi was adopted in the 1860s, and used until khaki field uniforms were introduced in 1910, whereupon it remained in use in ceremonial uniforms. The 1915 pattern uniform adopted a German-inspired peaked cap instead, but after Greece's entry in World War I, the Greek military was re-equipped by the French, and the kepi returned to use. It was retained as part of both field and ceremonial uniforms until the adoption of British-style uniforms in 1937. Ceremonial use continued in the No.1 gala uniform until the early 1970s. In the post-1974 Third Hellenic Republic, it is used exclusively by the officer instructors and cadets of the Hellenic Army Academy (in blue), by the cadets of the NCO Academy, and by the honour guards of the Ministry of National Defence (in blue). Lierneux, Pierre. October 2003. "L'officier d'infanterie belge en 1914 - 1918" [The Belgian Infantry Officer 1914 - 1918] Militaria Magazine No. 219, pp 34 - 37 French customs officers ( douaniers) and the Gendarmerie still wear kepis for ceremonial duty. Customs officers wear a baseball style cap for ordinary duties (since 1994 with many variations) while the Gendarmerie introduced a "soft kepi" in the early 2000s.

For casual occasions, try pairing your hat with a simple t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. This look is perfect for running errands, going for a walk, or meeting up with friends. On 30 April 1947, the “Képi Blanc” newspaper was launched in Sidi-Bel-Abbès (“It caps the Legion” wrote Captain Gheysens, founder and first editor of the newspaper). For having rallied to the generals' putsch of April 1961, the 1st Foreign Parachute Regiment of the 10th Parachute Division was dissolved on 30 April 1961 at Zeralda. The biggest difference between the French Army and the French Foreign Legion is that the Legion accepts people from each country. Not only from France but also from all around the world. By considering these alternative hat styles, you can find the perfect hat that fits your style and needs. Whether you choose a foreign legion hat, a boonie hat, a safari hat, or a baseball cap, remember to choose a hat that is comfortable and fits well. ConclusionMain articles: Jean de Lattre de Tassigny, Marching Regiment of the Foreign Legion, and Raoul Magrin-Vernerey Free French Legionnaires assaulting an Axis strong point at the battle of Bir Hakeim, 1942. Kepis also appear with non-military uniforms, particularly popular with railway and tram operators around the world. British Rail employees from the mid 1960s to the mid 1980s wore Kepis. Famous Kepi wearers The following years, the French Foreign Legion has to fill up its ranks and replace the Legionnaires recruited between 2015 and 2018. For this, no less than 1,750 volunteers will join the ranks of the French Foreign Legion in 2020. This measure will help the transition into the “Scorpion” era and maintain the operational readiness of the combat units.

Candidates for the CRAP course at the Airborne Forces School ETAP in Pau begin practicing free jumps on the third day of training, starting with jumps from a height of 1,500 meters and gradually increasing to 2,500 meters. After two weeks, they are ready to make jumps with all of the equipment and weapons they would normally carry on a mission. At the end of the third week, they start practicing night jumps. In the past, CRAP jumps were only practiced from a maximum height of 4,000 meters, but today they are performed from 6,000 meters and will soon be conducted from 9,000 meters, according to the school. These higher jumps require the use of masks, oxygen bottles, and specially designed parachutes that allow paratroopers to fly over long distances (30-40 km) in maximum secrecy. The jumps at the ETAP school are conducted from Transall aircraft. of Legion officers started their career as simple legionnaires and worked their way up through the ranks. While only one of several Legion units involved in Indochina, the 1st Foreign Parachute Battalion (1 er BEP) particularly distinguished itself, while being annihilated twice. It was renamed the 1st Foreign Parachute Regiment (1 er REP) after its third reformation. [43] For dressier occasions, pair your foreign legion hat with a blazer, dress pants, and leather shoes. This look is perfect for weddings, fancy dinners, or other formal events. War Office, General Staff (March 2014). Handbook of the Belgian Army 1914. p.18. ISBN 978-1-78331-094-4.Used by all soldiers of the Danish army until World War II, it is now only retained as part of the full dress uniforms for officers. [18] Germany [ edit ] Nazi SA wearing kepis 1928 Main articles: Second French intervention in Mexico and Battle of Camarón Uniform of a legionnaire during the 1863 Mexican campaign In 1961, at the issue of the putsch, the 1st Mounted Saharan Squadron of the Foreign Legion [50] ( French: 1 er Escadron Saharien Porté de la Légion Etrangère, 1 er ESPLE) received the missions to assure surveillance and policing. In Sweden, the kepi has been used with several uniform types for the Swedish Army. The most common was the grey kepi worn as part of the M1923 field uniform and the dark blue kepi worn as part of the uniform types m/1886 and m/1895, and still in use by the Life Guards.

Adjusting the chin strap: The chin strap should be adjusted so that it sits comfortably under your chin without being too loose or tight. Today, some units of the Legion are in Corsica or overseas possessions (mainly in French Guyana, guarding Guiana Space Centre), while the rest are in the south of mainland France. The current headquarter is in Aubagne, France. What’s the difference between the French Army and the French Foreign Legion? Beep test ( Luc léger in French), also Multi-stage fitness test; a rhythmic running between two points that are 20 meters apart from side to side; running speed is determined by audio beeps at set intervals, with increasing frequency – you have to complete at least 5 levels officially (better do 7 levels) Foreign legion hats have been a popular and timeless accessory for many years. They continue to be a favorite among fashion enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The foreign legion hat is an excellent choice whether you’re looking for style or practicality.The war in Spain was a long and brutal one, with few prisoners taken. The legionnaires responded to the cruelty of the Basque insurgents with equal ferocity. During this time, Colonel Bernello, who commanded the Legion in Spain, attempted to create an effective tactical battle group by equipping his units with artillery, engineering, and cavalry. However, the ranks of the legionnaires thinned as they fought battle after battle. In the battle near Zubira, the 3rd and 4th battalions of the Legion were almost completely destroyed, and in June 1837, Colonel Conrad, Bernello’s successor, was killed in battle near Barbastra. With the adoption of a British-style khaki uniform from 1915, the kepi was abandoned in favour of the peaked cap for all ranks, [17] The Kepi was the most common headgear in the French Army with its predecessor originally appearing during the 1830s, during the initial stages of the occupation of Algeria, as a lightweight cane-framed cloth undress caps called casquette d’Afrique. These were an alternative to the heavier, cloth-covered leather French Army shako. After its triumphant victory parade in Paris, the French Foreign Legion returned to Algeria, where it was reorganized once again. Only one regiment remained after this process. Three years later, Napoleon III, the King of France, decided to establish his rule in Mexico and sent a strong military contingent, with the core being the Legion, to support this effort. Despite facing a hostile environment and the outbreak of a popular revolution led by Benito Juarez, the Legion made a name for itself through its courage and sacrifice in numerous battles. One such famous event took place when Captain Danjon, two second lieutenants, and 62 legionnaires from the 3rd company found themselves in a Mexican ambush and managed to retreat to a dilapidated hacienda near Cameron, where they fought off far more numerous opponents for almost an entire day. When they ran out of ammunition, food, and water, the last five survivors launched a bayonet charge, in which two were killed and the remaining three were spared by the Mexican colonel Combas due to their bravery. The Mexican campaign lasted for four years and resulted in significant losses for the legionary troops. Style: Baseball caps have a more sporty look and are often worn for everyday activities like running errands or going to the gym.

The foreign legion hat, also known as the “kepi blanc,” is a classic military-style headwear that has been around for more than a century. Originally worn by the French Foreign Legion, this hat has since become popular worldwide, both as a fashion accessory and a functional piece of clothing. p. 77 Wawro, Geoffrey The Franco-Prussian War: The German Conquest of France in 1870-1871 Cambridge University Press, 21 Feb 2005

Choosing the Right Foreign Legion Hat Size

Coming out of a difficult Indochinese conflict, the Foreign Legion reinforced cohesion by extending the duration of basic training. Efforts exerted were successful during this transit; however, entering into December 1960 and the generals' putsch, a crisis hit the legion putting its faith at the corps of the Army. [49] You must travel at your own expense to continental France, in Europe. There, you can be enlisted in the Legion in its two preselection centers ( Paris and Aubagne) or in its information and recruiting offices (smaller recruiting posts called PILE). These centers are usually open all year round and all day long, even on weekends and holidays. That means you can enlist in the Legion every day of the year. However, keep in mind that some smaller offices in smaller towns might be closed on holidays or at night.