The role of the Infantry is at the core of the Army; from peacekeeping to combat operations, anywhere in the world - our Infanteers lead the way. Infantry soldiers are trained to be ready for any challenge. Ready to operate alongside allies in adverse climates, from desert to jungle. Ready to protect the nation, prevent conflict, fight the nation's enemies and deal with disasters at home or overseas.
All Gurkha soldiers are recruited in Nepal.
British Officers are recruited from across the UK and Commonwealth.
All Officers are expected to speak Nepali and will attend a language course in Nepal.
The Royal Gurkha Rifles are part of the Infantry. The Infantry is at the heart of the Army. It is at the core of the Army’s Ground Close Combat capability. Trained to out-think, outwit, outmanoeuvre, outfight, and outlast any adversary, anywhere. Ready to operate across a very range of challenging climatic and geographical environments, amongst diverse populations, and alongside allies.
The Royal Gurkha Rifles was formed on 1 July 1994, after the amalgamation of four Gurkha Regiments, 2 GR, 6 GR, 7 GR and 10 GR.
During this time, battalions of the Royal Gurkha Rifles have taken part in operations in Kosovo, Bosnia, East Timor, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Australia, Iraq, Afghanistan and Malawi.
The Royal Gurkha Rifles now consists of two battalions and two RANGER Companies. One Battalion is based in Shorncliffe in Kent, another in Brunei in South East Asia and F and G RANGER Regiment companies are based in Aldershot.
A more detailed history on the Gurkha service to the crown, and of our forebear Regiments can be found on our Association website.
There are 2 battalions and two additional companies that form The Royal Gurkha Rifles:
- The First Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles located in Brunei, South East Asia.
- The Second Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles located in Shorncliffe, Kent.
- F (Falklands) Company - part of 2nd Battalion, The RANGER Regiment
- G (Coriano) Company - part of the 4th Battalion, The RANGER Regiment
Officer Recruitment
British Officers are recruited into The Royal Gurkha Rifles from across the UK and Commonwealth. All officers are expected to speak Nepali and will attend the 3-month language course in Nepal after selection. If you wish to become a Royal Gurkha Rifles Officer please contact the Army Careers Adviser (ACA) who covers your school or university.
Alternatively, apply online via the Army Jobs website. Recruiting Group will then confirm your qualifications and put you in touch with the relevant ACA. Furthermore, anyone who wishes to know more about joining The Royal Gurkha Rifles as an officer should contact the Regimental Secretary, Major (Retired) Bruce McKay.
Email us to find out about becoming an RGR OfficerOur equipment
On its introduction, it proved so accurate that the Army marksmanship tests had to be redesigned.
They are designed to achieve a first-round hit at 600 metres and harassing fire out to 1,100 metres.
The rifle fires a 7.62mm round and has enhanced accuracy of engagement during longer-range firefights.
High explosive, smoke and illuminating rounds to a maximum range of 5650m.
The general purpose machine gun (GPMG) can be used as a light weapon and in a sustained fire role.
The Combat Shotgun is a semi-automatic, tubular magazine-fed weapon chambered for the 12 gauge cartridge.
The powerful L1A1 12.7mm (.50) Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) is an updated version of the Browning M2 Fifty-cal.
It provides the section commander with the capability to impose sustained suppressive fire on to an objective out to 300m.
Find out more about the Gurkhas
You can find out lots more about the Brigade of Gurkhas on our Brigade website. Including a detailed history, all our news and how to reach out to our veteran community.
Brigade of Gurkhas
Contact Us
Robertson House, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
Telephone: 0300 1624477
Email: [email protected]
Address: The Royal Gurkha Rifles, Headquarters Brigade of Gurkhas Robertson House, Camberley, Surrey GU15 4PQ
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