From November 24 – February 25, eight service personnel from The First Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles (1 RGR), deployed on Exercise NORDIC SWORD, a Nordic skiing package delivered in four phases across the UK, Sweden, France and Germany. The team was led by Lieutenant Morgan.
With a team comprised of 80% novices, all members excelled at the sport, dispelling any myths that ‘Gurkhas cannot ski’. The first phase ended on a high, with the team securing a third-place podium finish in the Infantry Nordic Championships at Bessans, France.
Having qualified for the Inter-Service and Army Nordic Ski Championships, the team’s perseverance and raw talent ensured a strong eighth-place finish, competing against 24 other teams.
Now proficient in both skate and classic skiing techniques, the team developed many transferable skills, particularly the ability to cover ground quickly in harsh winter environments.
Similarly, all eight personnel have received dedicated marksmanship training in both the Anschutz Biathlon Rifle and Point 22 converted SA80 Rifle. The competition involved an arduous 30km Patrol Race, akin to Exercise CAMBRIAN PATROL in the snow.
Here the team was awarded for their outstanding marksmanship, maintaining the Regiment’s reputation as the best shots in the British Army.
Special recognition goes to Rifleman Arun Hang Chemjong (B Company), who was awarded Top Novice of the season. He has since been selected for the Army Nordic Performance and Development Squad and Rifleman Anil Adhikari, of A Company, has been invited to the Infantry Performance squad.
