Armed forces around the world

[Proud Hindu]

Most threads here are on the American army, but since this is one of the subforums for all members, anyone in an army, not in America?

I have some good friends who are brave jawans in the Indian army, I hope to join too when I am of age (in a year). Anyone else?

 

[jhollas]

You got a Limey right here!

 

[WarSong]

I'm a member of the USAF myself, but I've had extended contact with elements from the Australian Air Force and the British Royal Navy. Very good folks, very dedicated and I was proud to meet them.

 

[Proud Hindu]

jhollas, I have some friends who are Gorkhalis serving in the UK army (Maybe you call them Gurkhas). Anyways, they have many good things to say about it

 

[jhollas]

Aye, Gurkhas! Very, very good bunch of people!

 

[stillsmallvoice]

Hi all!

I'm a medic in the Israel Defense Force (http://www.idf.il) reserves with the rank of sergeant. Back in February-March 1991, I did a 3-week basic training course (with other older immigrants; I was 27 at the time) & then the standard 13-week medic's course. Since then I have been doing a 3-4.5 week stint of active duty every year. I was in for 4 weeks in February-March of last year. I was in the Jordan Valley riding shotgun (M-16 actually) on the schoolbuses & schoolvans that took youngsters from the various Jewish communities in the area to/from the various regional schools. We've been in the Jordan Valley just about every year lately. Except for last year, we are usually given a specific sector of the border with Jordan to patrol 24/7. I've been down to the baptismal site on the Jordan River a few times.

Be well!
ssv

 

[WarSong]

Aye, Gurkhas! Very, very good bunch of people!

I thought Gurkhas were actually a type of British Special Ops/Forces, but I'm probably misinformed.

 

[Proud Hindu]

Gurkha (Gorkhali) is a Hindu word meaning "defender of the weak." They are Himalayan soldiers, recruited from the tribes of east Nepal and north India - Magar, Gurung, Rai, Limbu ,Sunwar, Kumaon, Garwhal, Ladakh, Assam, etc. They're Hindu by religion, Kshatriyas (warriors) by profession. The British recruited them into their armies since the Brits once ruled India and Nepal. Nowadays most serve in India's army, but many still join the British army.

They're also very tough soldiers, I should not want to get on the wrong side of one's khukuri knife

 

[jhollas]

I thought Gurkhas were actually a type of British Special Ops/Forces, but I'm probably misinformed.

Well, no, but they are considered a sort of "elite" simply because it's so difficult for a British Officer to serve with them.
They have their own Regiments, part of the Brigade of Gurkhas, and selection for an officer to serve with the Gurkha regiments is tough, although I'm not sure where it stands alongside Para or Commando selection.

 

[inquisitor_11]

I've heard from blokes that have worked with Ghurka's that they are all bisexual (women for babies, men for pleasure).

Original thread: I'm currently a choco Combat Engineer in the Australian Army (Active Reserve).