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?
Very crisp and apt suggestion. We don't have any choice now.
ReplyDeleteVery crisp and apt suggestion. We don't have any choice now.
ReplyDeleteTo remain a gadfly, as you are,is what would make the Air Force and the Services combat ready-What with all that is happening today in throttling of dissent in so called freer civilian institutions.Charity begins at home and intensive soul-searching rather than programmed saluting or callous indifference to real-time problems would hobble us to believe that famous aside -all air and no force.
ReplyDelete