The selection and training process for a Queen's Gurkha Signaller is different to any other member of the British Armed Forces. From the challenging recruiting courses held in Nepal, a select few make the grade. Then, it is off to Catterick for the gruelling 39-week Combat Infantryman course. Last December, 72 soldiers passed out from Catterick as the newest recruits into the Queen's Gurkha Signals.
Their first introduction to the Corps is always the Regimental Induction Course, this year held at Altcar Training Camp near Liverpool. The aim of the ten-week course is to educate the soldiers on regimental culture, ethos and Kaida (combination of custom and tradition) then identify each soldier's most appropriate trade specialisation. For many, this lays the foundations of a long career path in which they will become experts in their field.
The Induction Course introduces the new Gurkha Signallers to basic comms principles, IT training and even maths, but the staff also take time to help the soldiers readjust to cultural life here in the UK. This helps their transition to the next part of their education: initial trade training at the home of the Royal Signals, Blandford Camp in Dorset.
