How I Joined The Gurkhas

Summary

A young Nepalese man recounts his journey and perseverance in joining the British Army's Brigade of Gurkhas, detailing the rigorous selection process and his eventual success.

Abstract

The narrative describes the author's aspiration to join the Gurkha Regiment from a young age, influenced by his uncle and driven by the legacy of his forefathers. He underwent extensive physical and mental preparation, including martial arts training, to meet the high standards of the selection process. Despite initial setbacks, such as a failed first attempt and a natural disaster during registration, his determination led him to pass the regional selection and later the central selection, which involved a series of grueling physical tests, medical and education assessments, and an interview. His success in the central selection, where he was one of 230 chosen from 500 candidates, brought a profound sense of accomplishment and pride, marking a significant milestone in his life.

Opinions

The author views joining the Gurkha Regiment as a prestigious opportunity, citing better income and the continuation of a family legacy.
He believes in the importance of thorough preparation, including physical training and abstaining from unhealthy habits before selection.
The author expresses a mix of emotions throughout the process, from optimism to disappointment, and finally to overwhelming joy upon his selection.
He reflects on the gravity of the selection process, emphasizing the rarity of being chosen and the pride associated with wearing the military uniform and representing his country in the UK.
The author acknowledges the competitive nature of the selection, with thousands of hopefuls vying for a limited number of spots in the Gurkha Brigade.

There are thousands of Young Nepalese who want to join the Brigade of Gurkhas and only a few stand to their chance.

Photo by Graeme Robertson

I was born in the eastern part of Nepal and went to Kathmandu for better education at the age of 10. I learned about joining the Gurkha Regiment from my uncle. I was intrigued by this amazing venture. Since then I had only ‘’One Dream’’ that was to join the Gurkha regiment in the UK. Why? Because of better income and to carry forward the legacy of our forefathers. Chasing my dream from a very early age, I trained hard and even I played martial art which helped me hone the quality in myself to perform better during selection.

Photo by Gurkha Brigade Association

At the age of 17, I finished high school. Thereafter, I prepared to go for the selection. Firstly, I went to Dharan- a place for eastern Nepalese to undertake registration. To be eligible to get registered, we must have all documentation sorted and complete 8 pull-ups. Few people already started to lose their chance to regional selection mostly I think of the blunder for not checking well before arriving in the registration. I was all good and registered to go for the next selection phase which was Regional Selection. It was in my mind, it will be more challenging and so on I need to get well prepared. I remember I went with my mother and stayed at my brother's house in Itahari, when I finished my registration and got back to my brother’s house it was all flooded. I was all wet and saw people fishing in the flood. How absurd was that, I was afraid if I get bitten by a snake and people were taking the chance to catch the fish.

After 2 months, I went to Dharan for the selection. I stayed at the hotel with a bunch of colleagues. I was very cautious before the selection not to fall sick so I used to drink mineral water, gave up smoking and chewing tobacco. I used to mull over getting selected into Gurkha Regiment while in bed. On the day of selection, we had medical and education tests at the first phase. I passed on both of them, I feared if my height would not support me, but I was lucky: I used the technique to breathe in and bring the stomach in and chin tucked in.

On the day I had my hair cut like a US Army and I remember one selection staff saying; ‘’Are you coming to join British Army or the US army?’’ Now next phase was fitness and interview. My fitness and interview went well; better than expected. I was very optimistic about getting selected from regional selection to central selection. Then I waited a couple of weeks to be called forward to central selection. Names would come to the internet through the website www.army.mod.uk. When I saw my name on the list, it gave me a sense of gratification. It was a moment to cherish because thousand of others wouldn't have seen their names on the list.

Photo by the Gurkha Brigade Association

Next, it was the central selection and it would be more arduous. Central Selection is designed to test the potential soldiers with fitness and mental toughness. It was 3 weeks selection held in Pokhara camp. Selection includes 2.4K run, Doko carry, command and task, medical, education test and interview. Every day person would leave their bedspace and get out of the camp. I had given my best in the selection and stayed up till the ‘’filter’’. The filter is when the DRO calls out if I have failed or I have passed. When I entered that room; I heard ‘’Sorry you didn't make it this time’’. I was like Am I in the dream or is it real; At first, I didn't believe it; but it was what it was. They gave me RS 2800 in cash, bus fare to get back home. Now I was broken and felt like all my hard work and struggle went in vain.

Photo by Author

Though I didn't succeed on the first attempt, I was not giving up that easily. So, again I trained hard and went through a series of the selection process and on 21 December 2014, in the same room of filter, I heard ‘‘Congratulation you have been selected’’. I was overjoyed, I was going to wear that military uniform, I was going to be on that big plane, I was going to England. We were given chance to call our parents, I called my mother and was proud to say I was selected. From thousands of young people in the regional selection, only 500 were selected for the Central selection and only 230 were fateful, I was one of them. I perceived that sense of pride, it was a great endeavour in my life.

Thank you for reading!