From Nepal to Catterick and Minley, Gurkhas finally welcome latest group of engineers

After a year in training, a group of would-be Gurkha engineers have finally reached their goal of passing out as fully-fledged sappers.

The journey to this point has not been easy, straightforward or swift.

After successfully joining the British Army in February 2024, they then spent nine months taking on Basic Infantry Training in Catterick.

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Following this, they were selected for the Queen's Gurkha Engineers and had to complete the basic combat engineering course at the Royal School of Military Engineering in Minley.

All 43 on the course passed out successfully, making them fully fledged Gurkha sappers. 

Included in this was one Gurkha who was in the last chance saloon – recruits can only go up for selection three times and on this one, his third and final time, he made it through.

BFBS Forces News spoke to those taking on the course and followed them on their journey to being awarded their distinctive red stable belts following their final exercise.