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Fly the flag

Despite the pressures of new technology in its own ranks and a fast-developing Chinese navy sailing into view, the ‘USS George Washington’ continues to rule the Asia-Pacific seas. Monocle climbs aboard the American aircraft carrier.
A world at war

People talk of the world becoming a smaller place, but there is still a lot of room for hostility. Here, Monocle has identified 20 of the most volatile areas of contention.
Duty and the beast

Never work with animals is a mantra in TV but exotic, domestic and native beasts have been employed to work in conflicts around the world with mixed consequences. Take a walk on the wild side with Monocle.
Brain vs brawn

In the forest of Evjemoen, Norway’s officer training school puts troops through an extreme test of endurance. It’s a physical and mental challenge but more of the latter in these days of modern warfare.
Peace by piece

Stockholm-based SIPRI is one of the world’s leading military thinktanks, advising governments all over the world. Yet behind its success is a uniquely Swedish approach.
Industry targets

Keeping the wheels of war turning requires well-run businesses. Some of the world’s most recognisable household brand names have pushed ahead in the fields of technology and innovation by supplying new products to the military.
Private armies

Some say they’re a useful force for good, others say they’re an ungovernable hindrance undermining the good work of government troops. Either way, private security firms are playing an important part in conflicts around the world.
Money to burn

New weightlifting champion: Airbus A400 M Atlas Tucked away in the British countryside, the Farnborough International Air Show is an unassuming backdrop for deals deciding the future of air defence. This trillion euro industry might decide the world’s future, too.
Pack leaders

A photographer, a war artist, Sky News’ special correspondent and a writer for ‘The New Yorker’ reveal what kit they take with them to the world’s conflict zones and how they work. Among the essential bulletproof jackets and passports, there’s still space for family photos and good luck charms.
A war of words

A magazine for the German armed forces, ‘Y’ holds the line when it comes to maintaining its independence while publishing a product that meets the remit of a military publication. With a staff of civilians and soldiers, it’s a lively setting.
Aerial assault

Galgalatz is a popular radio station with an eclectic music mix. What’s unusual is that the DJs wear uniforms, short haircuts and very shiny shoes. Monocle listens in to the Israeli Army on the airwaves.
Show of force

The largest city to be created in the past 100 years is Brazil’s capital. That bold, modernist ideal extends to its military departments, shaped in swathes of creative concrete by architectural icon, Oscar Niemeyer.
Overseas export

Netherlands shipbuilder Damen manufactures the boats that keep navies and coast guards up-to-speed worldwide. A near-century old success story, theirs is a contribution to a local tradition stretching back even further.
Men of the cloth

The Swiss Guards have protected the Vatican since the 16th century and today employ a cutting-edge tailor to maintain their sharp look.

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D

Ghurkas / London

Military parade

Part of the British Army for nearly 200 years, Nepalese Gurkhas are renowned for their skill and bravery. For Monocle, these Gurkhas swapped their distinctive uniforms for bold, smart civvies.

Writer: Felix Odell

Photography: Takeharu Sato

Gurkhas in the UK

It began with a war. From 1814 the British East India Company and the Kingdom of Nepal fought a two-year-long battle, far fiercer than the British expected. As part of the peace settlement, Britain took a third of Nepal’s territory. It was also allowed to recruit from the ranks of its enemy.

For almost two centuries battalions of Gurkhas have fought alongside British forces, including in the two World Wars. Along the way they have become not just an integral part of the British Armed Forces but have also been fully embraced by British society. That affection was demonstrated in 2009 when the Gurkhas’ successful campaign to be allowed to stay in Britain once they had retired was given the support of right-wing tabloid newspapers and politicians that usually take a less liberal attitude to immigrants.

There is currently one brigade of 3,640 Gurkhas in the British Army. India, meanwhile, has seven regiments totalling 42,000 Gurkhas while Nepal, Singapore and Brunei also have Gurkha contingents.

HAIR
Oliver De Almeida

PHOTO ASSISTANT
Gabby Laurent

TAILOR
Ian Hundley

GURKHAS
GJ Gurung, Lok Bahadur Gurung, Sarman Yakso, Deb Bahadur Ghale, Sukbahadur Dura, Tika Rai, Manbahadur Limbu & Shreeman Bahadur Tamang

Special thanks to IDG Security (UK) & Vigilance Properties

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