Like the other arms of the Indian military, the Indian Air Force is a professional unit that Indians are justly proud of – a highly trained, dedicated professional group of men and women. A career in the Indian Air Force has much to recommend it; as does the lifestyle of the air warrior. The adverts for the IAF; aimed at spurring recruitment over the years have been inspiring, amusing and just clever!
And this really is true – the Air Force is a wonderful microcosm of India itself, where you meet people from all over India, of all faiths. The career options are varied and exciting.
…Wingmen share fate! They do indeed! And when we get the tragic news of a fatality in the IAF family we all grieve as one too.
Fighters that scream across the sky are sexy. Choppers that hover inches off the ground while the air warriors simply jump off are fascinating! The majestic transport aircraft are awe inspiring in their size and capability. The job description here is very, very different, to say the least!
The IAF has some very exciting career options: flying, technical and ground. The adrenalin rush isn’t just about flying the planes and jumping off them; it is also about making sure that the flying machines are air worthy, the missiles on target and the communication networks in place.
It’s true: a career in the air force is quite different from the struggle of the civilian rat race – the cockpit is a ‘cubicle’ with a very different view! As for the lifestyle with fun bunch of colleagues, a busy social calendar, sylvan surroundings to live in where kids are free to be kids and to grow up without being supervised every minute – these are just some of the things that recommend the fauji lifestyle.
There is a quiet pride in knowing that one is doing a worthwhile job; a job that makes an actual difference to the people of an entire nation! There is opportunity here for some of the brightest and most capable men and women of India here.
The Indian Air Warrior is a cut above! I say this with complete conviction; not just because I’m a part of the IAF family; but because the dedicated, capable, highly intelligent professionals I have come across over the years have been proof enough!
Women have long been a part of the IAF, and now with women fighter pilots too in the IAF, sky’s the limit for these bright, incredible young women. I have to admit – this IAF ad - the ones trying to keep her grounded might now have to jump a little higher – is my favourite!
I can never watch this one without my eyes welling up. Can you?
Commanding officers of squadrons have their TVs on – not for entertainment but to know about any natural calamity that may need them to mobilize within hours. The IAF is not just about defending in times of war but whenever and wherever there is need.
Do you have something interesting you would like to share? Write to us at [email protected]
