by AK Pahwa (D-3/4)
It was the year 1966 when I was still in the pre-final year of engineering college in BHU when an Air force delegation visited to offer a glimpse of Indian Air Force and to select a few students under University Entrance Scheme. This gave us an insight into what the Air Force is as a career and the work culture. However, the selection process of SSB is so stringent that only the outstanding ones get the chance to serve in the Air Force. I can remember that only two got selected out of sixty engineering students to appear for SBB and to join air force. It was brought out by the delegates that one has to have the grit, pride, honour and leadership qualities to become a guardian of the motherland!
On 1 Jan 1968, I joined Air force. Here started the real life learning process. Landed at the Air force Technical College Bangalore which offers 1-1/2 years of “On Job Training”, which includes regular physical fitness training every morning and evening, technical classes on aeronautical engineering system which includes mechanical/electrical/armament/communication system etc
On completion of training successfully you are awarded President’s Commission and the rank of Pilot Officer as your first rank to proceed to one of the Air force stations.
Apart from Engineering stream, Air force also offers other streams based on qualifications, such as Pilot, Administration, Logistics, Meteorology and Medicines for doctors etc.
Having worked in Air force for 24 years in various units and establishments, I must say that it’s the Technical Force, where the key requirement is professional competency! This service offers you to deal with complex systems of aircrafts, weapon system, radar, guided missile system and communication system.
As if to compensate for the intense work pressure, Indian Air force offers: 1) A disciplined, healthy and adventurous life style; 2) An opportunity to see many places during transfers; 3) Value addition in terms of higher education like MTech in IIT or M.Tech in Cranfield (UK), MBA & Senior commander’s courses; 4) A handsome salary; 5) Truly a multi religion experience; 6) Mess facility- comparable with 5 star hotels; 7) CSD facility; 8) Free medical facility for self and family even after retirement; 9) Indoor & outdoor Sports facility of highest level; 10) To pursue your passion for activities like mountaineering/ parasailing/ paragliding jumping, paragliding/ photography etc.
Having retired prematurely after completion of pensionable service, I worked for a private company for 8 more years.
I can vouch that Air force offers opportunities for building your personality, technical competency and above all leadership quality, which helps you to excel in any profession in the later stage of your life which comes from its motto of – “Touch The Sky With Glory’’
