A proud tradition of the British Army was on full display as 274 trainee Gurkhas paraded at the Infantry Training Centre (ITC) in Catterick this week for their cap badging ceremony.
The event marked a pivotal milestone in the recruits’ journey as they received their unit insignias, symbolising their official induction into the Brigade of Gurkhas.
The mission of the Brigade is clear: to transform young men from Nepal into highly trained soldiers who uphold its enduring traditions of courage, loyalty, and professionalism. Recruits undergo one of the most rigorous courses in the Army, which includes language and cultural training, career management, and trade selection, culminating in the demanding 26-week Combat Infantry Course, the same programme completed by their counterparts in the Line Infantry.
Captain Surendra Tamang, Second in Command of the 2nd Infantry Training Battalion, reflected on the significance of the occasion:
“It’s a very big day for the company. I have been with the recruits since their selection in Nepal. The cap badging ceremony is a fantastic way to celebrate the recruits and their journey at the Infantry Training Centre so far.”
Following the ceremony, each recruit is assigned to one of the Brigade’s eight units, where they will continue their basic training before passing out in November.
For many, the day was both deeply personal and a proud step into history. Drishya Rai, aged 21, who will join the Queen’s Gurkha Engineers, said:
“Although it is very tough, basic training is really helping me with my self-confidence as well as learning the military skills I need to continue my career.
I feel like I’m dreaming, coming from Nepal to Catterick is amazing and a dream come true. I’m lost for words with my experience so far.”
Suraj Shrestha, aged 19, destined for the Gurkha Staff and Personal Support (GSPS) Company, echoed the pride of his peers:
“When I knew I was going to GSPS, I was extremely happy and bursting with joy. I am very proud to be joining GSPS and looking forward to the rest of my career.”
The ceremony is more than a formality, it is a rite of passage, symbolising transformation from civilian to soldier. Kushal Rai, aged 21, who will join The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas, said:
“The journey so far has been very tough, but with my integrity and hard work I was able to push through.
I’m very happy today. The Band of the Brigade was my first-choice unit. I’m very interested in music and musical instruments, so this is a perfect fit for me. I am looking forward to my future in the British Army.
The environment is very different. You move from a civilian in Nepal, to a soldier in the British Army. The process has changed me into a very good man and soldier.”
The Brigade of Gurkhas today numbers more than 4,000 soldiers, carrying forward an illustrious reputation as some of the world’s finest and most feared fighters. The cap badging ceremony at ITC Catterick not only honours the recruits’ progress, but also reaffirms the unbroken bond between Nepal and the British Army, a legacy of service, sacrifice, and excellence that spans over two centuries.
