I am with Ehran here. Although different units perform differently in different enviornments and different missions. If you go by the fear factor, Gurkhas are one of the most feared infantry out there, if not THE most feared. As a side note, apart from their thorough professionalism, they are also renowned for the tradition of cutting the heads of fallen enemies and displaying them on stakes.

   That has to be a myth. The Ghurkas are very civilized, well mannered people whom you do not want to anger, but they won't display your head on a spike. Even so, the afghans and the hajis have done far worse, so I wouldn't put much stock in the whole fear factor thing.

dirtykraut, i do not remember exactly, but during the Kargil war, certain peaks captured by Gurkha units had heads of  fallen militants on stakes. Doesn't mean i am trying to belittle them. On the contrary i have immense respect for them. Just that if you are comparing the British army and Indian army protocols, well, lets just say in our part of the world the rules are a bit more flexible.

I will try to find the source for you.

Again, I think it is largely due to myth. These militia may have been privy to this myth. Now I am not saying they aren't capable, they are, I just don't think they would be the type of guys to put heads on spikes. Sure, there were probably a few incidents. But do we judge the US army based on the torture committed at Abu Graib? Do we judge the British army based on the beating of Iraqi teens, or the murder and torture committed by the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers? Fact is, the ones to fear are our enemies, as they will do a lot worse to us than any Ghurka will do to them if captured.

i think you've completely misunderstood the tone of my response.  The issue is that their reputation was a visible and tangible mood changer amongst the militia and less disciplined troglodytes wearing uniforms.

the ghorkas haven't chopped heads since ww2.

perception is truth - thats why its used.

Sorry for the misunderstanding. It is just that your reply came right after someone who was arguing that Ghurkas like to chop off heads.

Sorry for the misunderstanding. It is just that your reply came right after someone who was arguing that Ghurkas like to chop off heads.

Sorry for the misunderstanding. It is just that your reply came right after someone who was arguing that Ghurkas like to chop off heads. So I natureally

I naturally thought that was what you were arguing as well.