In the French military and the Legion in particular, there is an 'expression' - for want of a better word - mauvais esprit which translates word for word, bad spirit = bad attitude. The fact that he has signed on again I would think that it had more to do with his goal of getting his French nationality, than actually being proud to serve the Legion.
He did not have one good word of encouragement to those who were going to serve. If anyone is interested, look up his name, then click on his logo, underneath you will see 'messages'. Not really worth the read, but in case you are interested.
Matured? He joined at 30 odd years old.
As for him passing Cch, there is no course per se. When he has three years of rank as a Cch, he can be considered to go on his ( the name escapes me for the moment) which is a concours or contest. When I went on mine, we were 181 (of which 24 were from the REP) for only 80 places. We were 11 to have passed from the REP. It means that once you have 15 years service you can wear a kepi noir.
With DCXLVI being in a more relaxed regiment and in a support company, his rank of Cch will not stand for much. It will mean less corvées is all. Because yes, in the support company, as a caporal he will be doing corvées the same as a legionnaire 2nd classe in a combat company.
For those of you who join and see the greener grass in the support company: knocking off at regular hours, doing lots less service such as guard duties, going out on field exercise 'perhaps' twice a year. Most weekends off. It's worth noting that once you are in there, than you can practically say good bye to any OPEXs. DCXLVI's highlights are now wandering around the streets of some city in France.