65.0°

A mercenary is defined in the dictionary as a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army.

The use of mercenaries has never been the practice in the American Army. This is a good thing because the American people are intimately tied up in the pros and cons of foreign wars, since their sons and daughters are asked to serve and risk their lives. The action of the president of the United States is closely studied. If we used mercenaries to fight our battles, we might be less concerned.

Even as war in Iraq seems to be becoming less intense, the pressure in Afghanistan has increased and both candidates for president are calling for more troops. Agonizing decisions await in the future for America's leaders and citizens.

The use of mercenaries, of course, has a long history.

One colorful tale concerns Harold of Norway, who served in the palace guard of the grand Byzantium Empire at Constantinople in the 11th century. Think of the great distances he had to travel from Norway to the Golden Horn, probably on a Viking war ship, down the interior rivers of Russia, to the Black Sea. After fighting in North Africa and Italy, he returned home. In 1066, he contested for the crown of England. He was defeated and killed at the battle of Stamford Bridge by Harold of England.

Harold marched his tired army south, and in a great toss of dice, was killed at the battle of Hastings by William of Normandy. William, called the Conqueror, started a new dynasty that fundamentally altered the nature of English government.

In modern times, one people stand out as the epitome of the mercenary warrior.

They were first recruited in 1815. In World War I, 200,000 enlisted. In World War II, 250,000 served. In these two wars 30,000 were killed and 5,000 received medals for gallantry.

Their numbers are less today, but, still, 3,500 serve the Queen of England, 120,000 are in the Indian Army, the sultan of Brunei keeps a special detachment and Singapore has incorporated them into its police force.

Last year 17,349 applied to join the British Army and 230 were accepted.

Their battle cry is "Ayo Gurkhali.

"The Gurkhas are coming," with their kukri knives flashing above.

• Lifelong Alaskan Elton Engstrom is a retired fish buyer, lawyer and legislator (1964-70) who lives in Juneau.