After months of demanding training, the future career paths for 323 trainees of Gurkha Recruit Intake 26 were formally announced during the capbadging event held with Gurkha Training Company in Catterick on 30 July 2026.
The trainees began their journey in February. In recent weeks, they received detailed briefings from representatives of all seven organisations that make up the Brigade of Gurkhas. Each trainee then completed a posting preference proforma, staff provided recommendations, and a General Training Index mark was awarded. A posting board subsequently convened to align trainees to available spaces across the Brigade. The results were ratified by HQBG, before being formally revealed on parade.
During the parade, the Officer Commanding read out the assignments capbadge by capbadge, announcing each trainee’s regimental number and name.
One by one, the trainees fell out and moved to their designated area, joining others selected for the same organisation.
This was followed by Commanders from each unit presenting their new berets or capbadges to all 323 trainees. This was a proud and symbolic moment marking the beginning of their regimental identity.
The atmosphere was intense, charged with anticipation, and deeply significant for every trainee.
78% of trainees received their first choice assignment, none knew their outcome until the parade itself.
The recruits will continue their training in Catterick for several more months. They will then progress to their trade training or directly to their new regimental families upon completion of training in November.
Photography by Mr Mick Latter
