Should we try using Gurkhas?

Gurkhas take their name after an eight century Hindu warrior-saint.  Known for their tenacity, courage, and unrelenting aggressiveness in battle, Gurkhas have a history in being involved in some very tough fights.  The British probably know Gurkhas the best.  The British first encountered the incredible Gurkhas in 1814 during the Gurkha war against the British East India Company army.  The army noticed the uncanny warrior spirit in the Gurkha soldiers and reached a stalemate, and eventually recruited the soldiers into the British Army.

Their motto – “It is better to die, than to live a coward.”

Even the U.S. Navy recognizes the bravery and commitment of the Gurkha.  The Navy reportedly employs Gurkhas as sentries at the Naval Support Activity Bahrain and to provide security for ships when making port visits.  Some consulates and diplomatic residences may also employ Gurkhas as security forces.

Gurkhas could provide a highly trained, extremely lethal force in a very small contingent especiallly suited for use aboard merchant ships.  A team of even two Gurkhas on board a merchant ship would certainly be a formidable force against Somali pirates.

With the recent CEO of Liberty Maritime calling for the ability to arm U.S. flagged vessels, along with a chorus of others; shipping companies may want to look at employing Gurkhas when transiting the Gulf of Aden to provide a properly trained force that could effectively use weapons against pirates.  One of the most significant roadblocks to arming merchant ships is training.  Shipping companies would carry significant liability if they required their regular crew to begin using weapons with little or no training.  Arming merchant ships without employing private security forces or military personnel will require expensive training and re-certification procedures for both shipping companies and merchant mariners.

Read more

MarineLink – Pirates beware:  The Gurkhas may be lurking

The Independent (UK) – The Big Question:  Who are the Gurkhas and what is their contribution to military history?

G4S Gurkha Services – Largest employer of former British Army Gurkhas, offering security services