France A look of tradition....

[Chris Boonzaier]

The Pionier

[Bernhard H.Holst]

Hello readers:

As Chris points to the tradition I take the liberty to expand on this just a bit:

the Pioniers lead off at parades wearing as Chris' picture shows, the epaulettes ( here for Caporal-Chefs already the gold framed ends and the white kepi covers over the normally dark blue kepi body); a leather apron and shouldered axes. And every one with a proud beard. Legend had it that to gain entry into this august body of troops one must have been able to grow a beard. Beards were not and are most likely not now tolerated for the other legionnaires.

Bernhard H. Holst

[aubagne98]

( here for Caporal-Chefs already the gold framed ends and the white kepi covers over the normally dark blue kepi body)

Hi,

the gold edged parade epaulletes usually are worn by CCH an sous offs.

Without looking at the rank all Pioniers wear these epaulettes during parades, also all musicians.

All Pioniers wears the kepi blanc (not white cover over kepi noir) with gold cap strip (formerly black http://www.fncv.com/biblio/conflits/algerie/legion/photo_21.jpg, the musicians with black strip.

http://www.reporter-photographe.org/SCGphoto/2012/07/4512-10-0500.jpg

http://www.legion-etrangere.com/modules_media/article/33/musique_legion_etrangere.jpg

Withour looking at music and pioniers in parades the CCH under 15 years fo service wears kepi blanc with golden cap stripe and over 15 years kepi noir

And also without being in a parade or concert (musicians) they wear the kepis according to their rank with the tenue sortie.

Michael