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Gurkhas to recruit female soldiers for first time

Published on: 16 Jul 2018

Women are to be allowed to serve with the Gurkha regiment of the British Army for the first time, it has been revealed.

Female soldiers are to be recruited by the Gurkhas, a long-standing segment of the British Army, it has been announced.

Gurkhas have fought as part of the British Army for more than 200 years, but this marks the first time that women will have been able to fight as part of this group.

A military recruitment drive allowing women applicants to enter is to take place from next year in Pokhara, central Nepal, after which women who pass entrance and vigorous fitness tests will travel to Catterick in North Yorkshire for ten weeks of training, including lessons in English language and British culture.

UK defence secretary Gavin Williamson commented: "The Gurkhas are renowned as one of the best fighting forces in the world, with a proud history of serving Her Majesty, and it is right that women have the opportunity to serve in this elite group."

Gurkhas are entitled to a pension, a British passport and a salary of over £18,000 a year.