Western Air Command gets boost with the induction of SU-30 MKI; Army Chief acknowledges shortage of officers
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  • Reports noted that SU-30 MKI aircraft was inducted into Western Air Command on September 25, 2012, in a formal ceremony at Air Force Station Halwara, which is one of the oldest frontline Airbases of the IAF. Air Marshal Arup Raha AVSM VM AOC-in-C Western Air Command IAF was the chief guest for the induction ceremony. Halwara, due to its strategic location was actively involved in both 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars. The 220 Squadron at Halwara known as ‘Desert Tigers’ flew the MiG-23 aircraft till 2005. The Squadron’s strength will grow leap and bounds with the induction of SU-30 MKI. The SU-30 MKI is a frontline all-weather air-dominance fighter with multi-role capability, which can undertake varied air combat and ground attack missions.1
    In another development, according to reports, the issue of shortage of officers in the Indian army has been a long one. Now the Army Chief, General Bikram Singh himself has said that there is a shortfall of about 10,500 officers. According to official figures, the shortage is around 10,500 in the Army, 1,400 in the Navy and 1,100 in the Air Force. Union Defence Minister A. K. Antony has said the shortage is “partly attributable to accretions from time to time, tough selection procedures and difficult service conditions coupled with perceived high degree of risk involved in recruitment and training.” However, according to the minister various measures like; increase in tenure of Short Service Commission (SSC) officers from 10 years to 14 years, increasing promotional avenues for officers by implementing the A.V. Singh Committee recommendations on restructuring of officers’ cadre of the Indian Army and implementing the suggestions of the Sixth Pay Commission report, have been taken to address the issue, which has been plaguing the force for several years, resulting in poor management at the unit level. On its part the Army has been holding programmes in several colleges and universities to motivate the youth to join the army. In this connection General Singh said, “The youngsters feel motivated to join but their motivation level goes down when they discuss the Army as a career option with their parents. We intend to reach out to parents. Risks are everywhere but in the armed forces these are managed well.” 2

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