The British Army has confirmed the formation of a new Gurkha battalion as part of the Army’s plan to increase its specialised infantry group.
Recruitment for the newly announced 3rd battalion Gurkha Rifles is set to begin this year.
Nepali men have been serving in elite Brigade of Gurkhas since 1815, with over a dozen awarded the Victoria Cross - Britain's highest military honour - for their acts of courage and bravery.
Now, the regiment will have its first female soldier recruits in 2020, ending male domination of the unit for more than 200 years.
Members of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles. Source: AAP
British Minister for Armed Forces, Mark Lancaster, said, “The Gurkhas have built an outstanding reputation for their skill and bravery as soldiers through centuries of service and sacrifice.”
“Many people from my neighbourhood are planning to give it a try. If we get selected then we will be set for life."
Their unique expertise and perspective make them an ideal choice, he said, to form a newly specialised infantry battalion.
The idea was first announced last year when Defence secretary Gavin Williamson said it was right for Nepali women to be given a chance to serve in the British Army.
A young Nepali female participates in a physical training session to prepare for the British Army's recruitment. (Image: AAP Image/ EPA/NARENDRA SHRESTHA) Source: AAP Image/ EPA/NARENDRA SHRESTHA
Set for life?
A job in the Gurkha regiment is a coveted job for many Nepali youths.
Sarita Gurung, a resident of the central Nepali city of Pokhara, says she is happy that women now have a chance to become a British "Lahure" now.
Lahure is a term commonly used to denote Nepalis who join foreign military service.
"I know how difficult the physical test is going to be, but nevertheless I want to give it a try”, she told SBS Nepali.
“Many people from my neighbourhood are planning to give it a try. If we get selected, then we will be set for life." 
Women wanting to join the British army will have to pass a rigorous physical test that takes place in Pokhara; they will be required to run five kilometres within 48 minutes carrying a basket filled with 25 kilos of sand.
Nepali women will be joining the ranks of the British Army's famed and feared Gurkha regiments. AFP PHOTO (Image: STRDEL/AFP/Getty Images) Source: AFP PHOTO STRDEL/AFP/Getty Images
The army aspirants will also be required to perform 75 bench jumps and 70 sit-ups in one and two minutes respectively.
Mixed reaction in Nepal
Since news of the announcement broke last year, many senior politicians said the current treaty with the British Government only includes recruiting men, and that there is no official agreement between Nepal and Britain to hire women in the Gurkha regiment.
Last month, the country's House of Representatives directed the government to halt the female recruitment process immediately.
The British Army has recruited 250 men every year and hundreds of aspirants compete for the elite job in the Gurkhas. Source: AAP
"The government must review the treaty on the recruitment of Gurkhas and implement Nepal's foreign policy and ensure that it is in the spirit of the Constitution of Nepal and its democratic system”, it said.
President of the committee, Pabitra Niraula said the recruitment process is being carried out without the Nepali government’s approval.
“The Gurkhas have built an outstanding reputation for their skill and bravery as soldiers through centuries of service and sacrifice.”
Many believe the directive issued by the parliamentary committee may not make any difference to the recruitment process.
Six years ago, a similar committee had made a recommendation to the then government regarding the recruitment of Nepalis into the British Army.
Relatives and family members watch as Gurkha recruits take part in their pass out parade on completion of military training at on November 16, 2017 in England. Source: Getty Images Europe
It had directed the government to end the recruitment practice slowly, but that directive has not been implemented so far.
