The Nepali Army or Gurkha Army is the army of Nepal and a major component of the Military of Nepal. Service is voluntary and the minimum age for enrollment is 18 years. The army was known as The Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) during the monarchy system in Nepal. It was renamed into Nepal Army since 28 May 2008 with the abolishing of 238-year-old monarchy. Unlike other military forces around the world, the Nepalese Army has a very strict joining policy, similar to the Gurkha regiments, as it is highly recommended to have a distinguished period in the police first.