Colonel Commandant's Award
What is the Colonel Commandant's Award
The Brigade of Gurkhas (BG) is defined by loyalty, discipline and operational excellence. As such, recognition of individual achievement remains vital. As the Brigade evolves, so too does the opportunity to formally celebrate those who have gone above and beyond in service. This award exists to honour those who have enhanced the reputation of the Brigade through remarkable personal achievement, often through sustained excellence throughout their careers. Whether through leadership or contribution to the wider community, recipients of this award exemplify Gurkha Kaida.
Eligibility
The following individuals are eligible to be nominated for this award:
Current or ex-serving members of the Brigade of Gurkhas.
Civilians who meet the criteria for nomination in respect to their significant contribution to the Brigade of Gurkhas. For example, religious leaders, welfare supporting staff and civil servants.
Criteria
This award is a distinction of excellence, and as such nominees must have enhanced the reputation of the Brigade of Gurkhas through remarkable individual achievement. This might be over the course of a career, or as a result of a particular action or achievement.
Submission
Nominations are to be made to the BG Adjutant using the following methods:
- BG units. RHQs are to submit a citation nomination as per Annex A to this policy.
- Civilians. Those not currently serving can make nominations either through the Gurkha Brigade Association Website or emailing the BG Adjutant directly.
Selection
There is no specific nomination window or deadline for this award. Submission can be made at any time, throughout the year. Nominations will be filtered promptly by the BG Adjutant and presented to the Colonel Commandant for final consideration. Once the award has been approved by the Colonel Commandant, the nominator will be informed by HQBG. Once a date has been agreed to deliver the award in person, the nominee can be informed of their successful submission.
Presentation
The Colonel Commandant will strive be the chief deliverer of the award in person. If they are unable to bestow the award in person, then the task will be delegated to Colonel of the Regiments. Those who make nominations, should be prepared to formally invite the Colonel Commandant to present the award, through the BG Adjutant.
Colonel Commandant’s Medal
The award consists of a medal, designed by Major General Gerald Strickland DSO MBE, featuring a ribbon in the Brigade’s colours. The medal face is adorned with the Brigade cap badge, alongside an image of British Gurkhas wielding their khukuri. The Colonel Commandant’s Medal may be worn on the right chest when in non-uniform orders of dress, signifying the recipient’s distinguished contribution to the Brigade of Gurkhas.