Major Babindra Gurung – Gurkha Major, The First Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles

Major Babindra Gurung joined the Brigade of Gurkhas in 1994. After completing an intensive nine-month basic training programme in Hong Kong, he was posted to The First Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles. During his time with the Battalion, he progressed from Rifleman to Regimental Sergeant Major, holding a variety of roles across the unit. Upon promotion to Warrant Officer Class One, he was appointed Regimental Sergeant Major at British Gurkhas Nepal, before commissioning as an officer in July 2014. His subsequent appointments included Platoon Commander, Company Second-in-Command, Training Officer, Air Operations Coordinator, and Regimental Career Management Officer, a role in which he was awarded the inaugural Slim Award in 2018, recognising his significant contribution to both the Regiment and the wider Brigade.

Promoted to the rank of Major in 2020, he was appointed Sub-Unit Commander of Headquarters Company, The First Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles, and later joined the Infantry Battle School in September 2022 as Officer Commanding, Training Support Division. Following two successful tours as Sub-Unit Commander, he was entrusted with the esteemed position of Gurkha Major of The First Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles in August 2025.

Throughout his distinguished career, Major Gurung has participated in operational deployments to Sierra Leone, Kosovo, Bosnia, and Afghanistan. He was awarded a North Atlantic Treaty Organization Commander’s Commendation for his service on Operation OCULUS, and a Commander British Forces Commendation for his exceptional performance during Operation HERRICK 7. He has also taken part in overseas exercises and deployments in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, and Hong Kong.

A keen sportsman and outdoor enthusiast, he enjoys football, golf, running, cycling, and reading. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Management from Northumbria University, Newcastle, and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership at the university’s London campus.