Where is the Engineer?

Late Air Cmde Jasjit Singh infused air power strategic thinking into engineers and supply chain managers in the Air Force through CAPS seminars for Maintenance Command. These seminars, designed around engineering and logistics themes, would eventually highlight the extent and significance of our contribution to air power.

Only then did some of us realise that the customary comparison of adversaries merely on the basis of platforms and weapon systems on inventory – and war fighters’ ability to exploit - can be misleading. The effective maintenance of our weapon systems, innovative modifications/ upgrades and support from indigenous industry are also major contributors to our might.

Rather than give an “I know it all” summary for every theme under discussion, Air Cmde Jasjit Singh listened to practitioners - the mark of a wise, thinking man. The participants finished the day with pride in having had a say in making their Air Force!

Does an average engineer feel that he is important for the Air Force?

Six years since retirement, I have attended many seminars. The most significant for the Air Force has been the annual “CAPS/CII International Conference on Energising Indian Aerospace Industry”. Year after year, I am surprised to find fewer and fewer air veteran engineers participating, leaving it to pilots to do the energisation.

What makes an Air Force Engineer unobtrusive even in retirement?