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HISTORY OF COMBAT ENGINEERS IN NEPALI ARMY

INTRODUCTION

1. Military engineering's integral role in the Nepali Army, rooted in a rich military
tradition, is a historical testament to the strategic significance of engineering elements in armed
forces. The multifaceted contributions of combat engineers, highlighting their pivotal
involvement in diverse tasks crucial for military operations is a fact of common knowledge of
all. In the nascent stages of the Nepali Army, military engineering is likely to have encompassed
the construction of forts and the provision of water supply, indicative of the foundational
importance placed on infrastructure and logistical support.

2. Parallel to global historical contexts, military engineering has consistently shaped the
capabilities and outcomes of armed conflicts. Throughout history, armies worldwide have
integrated engineering elements, from the construction of ancient fortifications to the elaborate
trench systems of World War I. For instance, the Roman military's engineering prowess in
constructing roads and fortifications became legendary, influencing subsequent military
strategies. Similarly, during the American Civil War, combat engineers played pivotal roles in
constructing field fortifications and facilitating troop movements.

3 In the context of peacekeeping missions, military engineers have been instrumental in

rebuilding infrastructure and providing essential services. The historical legacy of combat
engineers in the Nepali Army, mirrored in global contexts, underscores the enduring importance
of military engineering in shaping the operational effectiveness and resilience of armed forces
across diverse historical epochs.

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AIM
4. The aim of this writing is to highlight the history of combat engineers in Nepali Army.

SCOPE
5. The scope of this paper is presented under the following headings:
(a) Establishment of First Combat engineer unit
(b) Other Combat Engineer units
(c) Evolving roles in different eras
(d) Findings, Conclusion and Recommendation

ESTABLISHMENT OF FIRST COMBAT ENGINEER UNIT

6. During the restructuring of the Nepali Army in the year 2009 BS, the inaugural combat
engineer unit established was the Shree Kali Prasad Field Company. This particular field
company underwent training facilitated by a liaison group from the Indian Army, focusing
specifically on combat engineering aspects. The necessity for combat engineer support became
evident during the restructuring, addressing the contemporary needs of the national army.
Before the formation of the Kali Prasad Company, there was an absence of dedicated units
solely tasked with providing engineering support to other formations within the Nepali Army.

7. While some level of engineering support was available previously, the absence of
specialized combat engineer units constrained the potential effectiveness of the national army in
diverse operational scenarios, both in peacetime and wartime. Despite its establishment, the Kali
Prasad Company initially lacked sophisticated resources essential for a fully functional engineer
unit. Nonetheless, it represented a pivotal step forward in advancing the engineering capabilities
of the Nepali Army.

OTHER ENGINEER UNITS

8. Other units in the combat Engineers fraternity include the following:

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(a) Kalibuksh Battalion (E). The nomenclature surrounding the

distinction of the oldest engineer unit in the Nepali Army poses a potential source of
confusion, both externally and within the service. To unravel this historical intricacy, an
exploration of the genesis of Nepali Army units is imperative.In the foundational phase of
the Nepali Army, King Prithivi Narayan Shah inaugurated the first five battalions,
notably Shreenath Battalion and Kalibuksh Battalion. Shreenath, named after Lord Shiva,
and Kalibuksh, named after the personal deity of the Shahs, 'Kali Mata,' were designated
as the first and second units, respectively, based on their formation date. Consequently,
on the 5th of Ashwin 1819 B.S., Kalibuksh Battalion came into existence. However,
during its establishment, it functioned as an infantry unit, akin to others, with a
subsequent transformation into an engineer unit yet to transpire.The pivotal transition for
Kalibuksh Battalion occurred subsequent to the Gorkhali army's triumph over the forces
of Bengali Prince Mir Qasim, resulting in the acquisition of weaponry, including rifles
and cannons(some 500 rifles, 2 cannons and divided them among 5 companies each one
with 100 men. Kalibuksh company was one of them. In 1901 B.S., Kalibuksh Company
underwent a notable transformation, evolving from a company to a battalion (Royal
Nepal Army, 2049, pg. 160). Despite the dissolution of this battalion following the Army
reform of 2007 B.S., its resurgence in 2011 B.S. marked a significant chapter. On the 1st
of Baisakh 2015, the Color (NISHAN) of this unit was ceremonially conferred upon the
Recruit Training Center in Bhaktapur by King Mahendra. Functioning under the
nomenclature Kalibuksh Battalion Recruit Training Center from 2011 to 2039 B.S., it
contributed substantially by furnishing adept and well-trained soldiers to the Nepali
Army. It was only post-2048 B.S. that Kalibuksh Battalion underwent transformation into
a Combat Engineers unit (Kalibuksh Battalion, Handwritten Records, pg.30). Thus, the
title of the first engineer unit in the Nepali Army is accorded to Kaliprasad Company,
established in 2009 B.S. Subsequently, in 2023 B.S., it attained battalion status. Thus,
while Kalibuksh Battalion holds the distinction of being the oldest unit among all
engineer units, it assumed the designation of an engineer unit only after 2048 B.S. This
nuanced chronology highlights the intricate historical trajectory surrounding the
establishment and transformation of key units within the Nepali Army.

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(b) Engineer Directorate and No. 14 Brigade. In the

organizational evolution of the Nepali Army, the Support Arms Brigade, commonly
designated as No. 6 Brigade, assumed the role of the immediate headquarters overseeing
all supporting arms until the year 2038. However, recognizing the imperative for a
dedicated entity to supervise and coordinate various activities, especially those pertaining
to combat engineering tasks, the Engineer Directorate was officially established in 2043
B.S. Subsequently, the Engineer Directorate assumed command and control functions,
orchestrating the activities of combat engineers within the Nepali Army. As the strategic
landscape continued to evolve, a discerned necessity for an even more comprehensive
approach to engineer support emerged. This led to a pivotal development on the 1st of
Asar 2047, where in the Engineer Directorate underwent a transformative transition and
was reconstituted as the No. 14 Brigade (Royal Nepal Army Headquarters, 2049, pg. 588-
589). This restructuring marked a significant institutional response to the evolving
requirements of the Nepali Army, particularly in the realm of engineer support. The
establishment of the No. 14 Brigade underscored a strategic commitment to enhancing
the capabilities and effectiveness of the engineer corps, reflecting a nuanced response to
the dynamic operational landscape. Currently there are 13 engineer units under No.14
Brigade among which 8 are engineer battalions and 5 are specialized engineer units,
which are as follows:

(i) Kalisiddhi Bn (E)

(ii) Kalishakti Bn (E)
(iii) Kalidal Bn (E)
(iv) Kaliprasad Bn (E)
(v) Kalibhakti Bn (E)
(vi) Kalibhanjan Bn (E)
(vii) Kalibuksh Bn (E)
(viii) Kalirakshya Bn (E)
(ix) EOD Unit
(x) Bridging Unit
(xi) Riverine Unit

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(xii) CBRN Unit

(xiii) Engineer Training School

EVOLVING ROLES IN DIFFERENT ERAS

9. The roles of combat engineers in the Nepali Army, as in many other military forces,
have evolved significantly over different eras, adapting to changing warfare dynamics and
technological advancements. Here's an overview of the evolving roles of combat engineers in
different periods:

(a) Early periods. In the early phases of the Nepali Army, which spans
historical periods before the 19th century, engineering tasks were likely rudimentary and
primarily focused on basic fortifications, logistical support, and construction of field
defenses. Combat engineers during these times may have been involved in building
temporary structures, such as fortifications made from locally available materials.

(b) 19th Century and Early 20th Century . During the expansion of the
Gorkha Empire under King Prithivi Narayan Shah, military engineering likely played a
crucial role in the construction of fortifications, bridges, and infrastructure to support
military campaigns. The establishment of battalions such as Shreenath and Kalibox in
the early 19th century indicates the presence of specialized units, though their
engineering functions may have been limited.

(c) Mid 20th century. Every summer after a torrential rainfall, Nepal’s hills
drain lots of water to cause major landslides. During this time, it is common to hear
news of people digging through rubble, desperately looking for loved ones and trying to
salvage necessities for survival. In addition, during flash floods and forest fires,
earthquakes, the Nepalese Army along with other security agencies are heavily deployed
to mitigate such calamities, the most recent one being the COVID 19 crisis. In the eyes
of the taxpaying public, the role of these security agencies should never be undermined.
During natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes, combat engineers
provide immediate support by clearing debris, restoring essential services, and building
temporary shelters. They help communities recover by rebuilding infrastructure.

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(d) Late 20th century. By the late 20th century, combat engineers in the
Nepali
Army were likely involved in a range of tasks, including mine clearance, obstacle
breaching, and construction of defensive structures. The Kalibox Battalion, originally an
infantry unit, underwent transformation into a Combat Engineers unit after 2048 B.S.,
indicating a growing emphasis on specialized engineering capabilities.

(e) 21st century and ongoing trends. In recent times, combat engineers in
the Nepali Army have become increasingly vital in addressing asymmetrical threats,
counterinsurgency operations, and peacekeeping missions. The establishment of the
Engineer Directorate in 2043 B.S. and its subsequent transformation into the No. 14
Brigade in 2047 B.S. reflects a more comprehensive approach to overseeing and
coordinating engineer activities within the military. The contemporary roles of combat
engineers in the Nepali Army likely encompass a broad spectrum of activities, including
route clearance, explosive ordnance disposal, construction of field fortifications, and
supporting disaster relief efforts. The evolving nature of warfare, technological
advancements, and the diverse operational environments in which the Nepali Army
engages continue to shape the roles and responsibilities of combat engineers. As the
military landscape continues to change, combat engineers will likely play a critical role
in adapting and innovating to meet emerging challenges.

FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Findings

10. The historical narrative of combat engineers within the Nepali Army reveals a dynamic
evolution, progressing from rudimentary engineering functions to the establishment of
specialized units adept at navigating multifaceted challenges in diverse operational settings. The
transformative journey, exemplified by the transition from infantry units to dedicated Combat
Engineers units and further to the institutionalization of the No. 14 Brigade, underscores the
military's steadfast commitment to adaptability and responsiveness, aligning with the nuanced
demands of contemporary warfare.

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11. During the formative stages, military engineering likely centered on basic fortifications
and logistical support. The 19th century marked a significant juncture with the establishment of
Shreenath and Kalibox Battalions, initially infantry units that later evolved, pointing to a
growing recognition of the need for specialized engineering capabilities. This recognition
crystallized in the 21st century with the creation of Kaliprasad Company and subsequent
elevation to a battalion status, heralding the formal acknowledgment of combat engineering
within the Nepali Army. The establishment of the Engineer Directorate in 2043 B.S. and its
subsequent transformation into the No. 14 Brigade in 2047 B.S. reflect an institutional
commitment to advancing engineer support capabilities. This commitment underscores the
Nepali Army's proactive stance in not only meeting but exceeding the evolving demands of
contemporary warfare, emphasizing continual refinement and innovation in combat engineering
practices.

Conclusion

12. In conclusion, the historical trajectory of combat engineers within the Nepali Army
unveils a narrative of continual adaptation and development, epitomized by the progression
from rudimentary engineering tasks to the establishment of specialized units and the subsequent
creation of the No. 14 Brigade. The evolution reflects the military's unwavering commitment to
address the multifaceted challenges of contemporary warfare. The establishment of dedicated
Combat Engineers units and the elevation to brigade status underscore the strategic importance
placed on enhancing engineering capabilities. This historical continuum illuminates the Nepali
Army's responsiveness to the dynamic nature of conflict, emphasizing the imperative of staying
at the vanguard of military innovation. As the military landscape continues to evolve, this
historical perspective informs future endeavors, highlighting the significance of maintaining a
robust and adaptive combat engineering framework to meet the diverse demands of modern
warfare effectively.

Recommendation

12. In light of the historical evolution of combat engineers in the Nepali Army, it is
recommended that a proactive approach be adopted to further develop and refine the capabilities
of these crucial units. In a global context, contemporary military challenges are marked by rapid

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technological advancements, asymmetric threats, and diverse operational landscapes. To address

these challenges effectively, combat engineers in Nepal should prioritize continuous training
and acquisition of cutting-edge technologies, such as robotics and unmanned systems, to
enhance efficiency in tasks like mine clearance and infrastructure development. Drawing
inspiration from global examples, nations like the United States and Israel have pioneered the
integration of advanced technologies within their combat engineering units. The United States
Army's utilization of robotic systems for route clearance and Israel's expertise in countering
tunnel threats serve as noteworthy models for adaptation. Moreover, fostering international
collaborations and participating in joint military exercises can provide valuable insights into
emerging tactics and technologies. A comprehensive approach that combines traditional
engineering skills with state-of-the-art technologies will ensure that the combat engineers of
Nepal remain agile and resilient in addressing the evolving complexities of global military
scenarios.

Gauchar, Kathmandu (Bibas Dhakal)

January 31, 2024 Lieutenant

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References

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NA. (2075). Nepali Army Directive 2075/78. Bhadrakali, Kathmandu: Nepali Army.
Rose, S.M. (March 2020). The Unit Training Management. NCO Journal, 5.

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