Be future leaders not just air warriors, IAF chief to young flying officers

Stating that no branch and service operates in isolation, the IAF Chief asked the young officers to try and learn from each other and support each other

Hyderabad: Indian Air Force Chief AP Singh on Saturday urged newly commissioned flying officers to be future leaders and commanders not just air warriors.

“You are the future leaders and commanders, not just warriors, and you will chart the destiny of the Indian Air Force. Let this huge responsibility not wear you down, but be a motivating factor in your lives,” he told young flying officers.

The IAF Chief reviewed the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) of number 214 Course at Air Force Academy (AFA) here. Singh urged the young officers to uphold the ethos, traditions and honor of the Indian Air Force.

Speaking about the future warfare, the Chief of Air Staff said only two things were certain — fast evolving nature of warfare and the increasing relevance of aerospace power. “The new generation officers will be a part of this exciting and ever evolving domain,” he said.

Ap Singh

Stating that no branch and service operates in isolation, the IAF Chief asked the young officers to try and learn from each other and support each other. “Whether in the sky or on ground, each one of you have a vital role to play in operations. Make sure that you understand your role and task very well and do your best,” he told young officers.

He said the young officers would be pressed to expand their horizons. “Even though this is a culmination of years of perseverance and structure training as a flight cadet, but in reality, it is just the beginning of new learning, the beginning of a life full of enriching experiences. You will be constantly pressed to expand your horizons, increase your limits, discover new skills and capabilities,” he said.

A total of 204 flying cadets, including 26 women, were commissioned into flying and ground duty branches of the IAF. Nine officer trainees each from the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, and one trainee from Vietnam (friendly country) also passed out during the parade. The ceremony also witnessed commissioning of the first batch of the weapon system branch officers.