Gurkha tradition at risk in Nepal, UK

Guardian:

As scores of British Gurkha soldiers are made redundant by the British army and recruitment numbers fall, there is deep concern among Nepal's mountain tribes that their proud 200-year tradition could be under threat.

It is recruitment season in the Himalayan foothills, a time when recruiters for the British army, locally known as "Galla walla", themselves former Gurkha soldiers, go from village to village looking for raw talent.

But this year there is a chill in the air. More than 140 Gurkha soldiers were told of their compulsory redundancy by the British army this year. In Nepal, where army pay makes a huge difference to poor communities, this is a blow.

"We hear more soldiers will lose their jobs. Recruitment is also down. I don't know if the British government wants to do away with the Gurkha regiments," said Mahesh Ale Magar, who, in August, sent his son Dip to try for this year's regional selection at the British army camp in Pokhara, central Nepal.

It is a measure of the prestige attached to service with the Gurkhas that, despite being one of the toughest courses in the world, the selection process is keenly contested. Dip Magar was among more than 12,000 young hopefuls who applied this year for 176 posts in the British army; there were an additional 80 trying for the Gurkha Contingent Singapore police force.

To be considered Gurkha material candidates have to pass a series of demanding physical and mental tests. These include the infamous dokorace, in which potential recruits have to complete an uphill run of more than three miles carrying 35kg (77lb) of sand in a basket strapped to their backs.

Dip did not qualify. "My friends who qualified in regionals will take the next stage soon," said the 18-year-old. "I will try again next year. It's my dream to be a Gurkha."

His earnest young face became anguished as he added: "I don't know if I will get another chance. Some say that from next year, there will be norecruitment for the British army, only Singapore police."

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Gurkha troops are terrific warriors. The US should consider recruiting some of them to join special ops units.  It is a shame to see this tradition near its end in the UK.  They have served the British well for 200 years.