Second Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles (2RGR) will soon return to their base in Brunei after a six month tour in Afghanistan on HERRICK 14. First Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles (1RGR) returned to their base in Shorncliffe from HERRICK 12 in Nov 2010.

2 RGR on this tour were involved in the full spectrum of conflict; fire-fights on the ground against the insurgents, numerous patrols in the blazing desert heat to ensure a high level of security, shauras between key influential leaders to engage and to win the support of the local population and most importantly the role of advising and mentoring the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF).

With two companies employed as ground-holding companies, to allow for the setting in place of governance and development, the remainder of 2RGR made up the Brigade’s main effort; training the Afghan National Police as part of the Police Mentoring and Advisory Group (PMAG).

For many of the Gurkhas from 2RGR this was their 4th or 5th tour of Afghanistan. This experience added to their natural cultural affinity with the locals and their language skills, patience and natural good humour have made them an excellent asset to the role International Security and Assistance Forces (ISAF) are playing in Helmand province.