In a powerful testament to discipline, determination, and the enduring strength of the special relationship between Britain and Nepal, the Gurkha Training Company has once again achieved a remarkable milestone, every single recruit from the latest intake has successfully passed the gruelling Combat Infantry Course.
All 274 recruits completed the demanding 39 week programme at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, one of the most rigorous rites of passage anywhere in the British Army.
A Journey Forged in Tradition and Toughness
The path to joining the legendary ranks of the Gurkhas begins long before recruits set foot on UK soil. In Nepal, around 16,000 young men apply each year, with only a few hundred earning the honour of travelling to Catterick for training.
Newly qualified Rifleman Pramesh Rana Magar reflected on the transformation he experienced:
“When I was selected in Nepal, I had no idea about Army life.
I have changed massively after the hard training process, but I am very proud of myself.”
The Combat Infantry Course is renowned for its intensity, and this year’s success once again underscores the exceptional ethos of the Gurkhas. Colonel David Robinson, Colonel of the Brigade of Gurkhas, praised the recruits and the staff who shaped them:
“I saw the recruits at the start of this process in Nepal.
We’ve taken some amazing young men from Nepal and turned them into Gurkhas.
I’m always really proud of the recruits and staff that make the training happen. The training is tough, but the recruits push through and get results they can be proud of.”
A Day of Pride and Celebration
The recruits’ transformation from civilians into Gurkha soldiers was formally marked by a celebratory pass out parade, attended by families, many of whom travelled from Nepal, and senior leaders from across the Brigade of Gurkhas.
For Rifleman Rikesh Rai, the moment carried deep personal significance:
“I am the youngest in my family, and I’ve always wanted to make them proud.
It feels good to know I have now achieved this and made myself proud too.
The process from selection to training and now pass out has made me more mature, and I feel grateful for the opportunity.”
Major General Gerald Strickland DSO MBE, who inspected the parade, left the newly minted soldiers with an inspiring message:
“Whatever you do, do it with pride because you are now a Gurkha. Well done.”
Strengthening Britain’s Future Force
The new Gurkhas will now move on to trade training or join one of the eight cap badges within the Brigade of Gurkhas, including the recently formed The King’s Gurkha Artillery.
Meanwhile, preparations are already underway in Nepal for the 2026 recruitment cycle, culminating in the final selection phase in Pokhara this coming January.
As Britain continues to rely on highly trained, loyal, and battle ready forces, the success of these 274 recruits stands as a proud symbol of shared values, unbreakable partnership, and enduring military excellence.
Source: www.army.mod.uk/news/gurkha-recruits-celebrate-100-percent-pass-rate-at-catterick/
Images: MOD Crown Copyright News / Editorial Licence
