With a view to restructuring its forces and to ensure that they are sufficiently flexible and adaptable to meet the demands of an uncertain future, the British Government has announced that it is going to reduce the size of the Gurkha Brigade by 700 by 2015.

The decision also applies to the army in general. Following the Strategic Defence and Security Review, the Ministry of Defence, UK, announced in October 2010 that it will be reducing the number of military personnel by 17,000 across all three Services—7,000 in the Army, 5,000 in the Royal Navy and 5,000 in the Royal Air Force. “Following a thorough review, the British Ministry of Defence has today announced a redundancy programme.  The Army will reduce by some 7,000 posts over the next four years, to leave a final strength of 94, 350,” a British Embassy release said.

As part of this process, the British Army’s Brigade of Gurkhas, which is currently over its usual strength, will also reduce by 700.  The Brigade will number 2,900 soldiers by 2015.

Redundancies will fall across the ability range, in four tranches, the statement said. The first tranche, of up to 165 Gurkhas, will be announced in September. Voluntary redundancy will be offered, although it is expected that there will be some need for involuntary redundancy.

However, Commanding Officers hope to target those who are near the end of their service and are, therefore, eligible for an immediate pension. Soldiers will not be selected for redundancy while serving on operations. As the Brigade of Gurkhas will still need capable soldiers, this programme will not affect recruitment: the Brigade plans to enlist some 176 recruits this year.

“The UK, Nepal, and the world continue to benefit from the outstanding contribution being made by the Brigade of Gurkhas. The Brigade remains a cornerstone of the UK-Nepal relationship, and it contributes to continued UK support to Nepal’s people and development,” the statement reads. Krishna Kumar Rai, vice-chairman of Gurkha Army Ex-Servicemen’s Organisation, however, said the UK move was news to him. “I can’t comment on the issue as we need to hold discussions before we come up with an official statement”.

Published on: 5 April 2011 | The Kathmandu Post