The Air Force is considered as the important air arms of our nation. The main aim of the Air Force is to provide sky defence and their main constituents are Aircraft and Fighter Planes. For operational readiness, this field demands highly trained and qualified manpower for various services. A career in the Air Force is an exciting and risky one.
Contents
Before, finalising the career in the Air Force, the student should possess the following skills.
- A sense of adventure
- Willing to dedicate themselves for the nation
- Hard-working mind with the ability to withstand the stress and strain.
- Physical robustness
- Self-discipline
- Readiness to ensure the presence at short notice
- Candidate should have good mental and physical fitness
There are various job positions in the Air Force depends on the education qualification and skills of the candidates.
- The male candidates who passed the 10+2 examination in Science stream can apply for the Naval Academy or National Defence Academy Examination for the post of Officer in Indian Air Force.
- The Naval Academy or National Defence Academy Examination is conducted twice in a year by UPSC.
- After clearing the examination, the listed candidates have to go for a 3-year training program after that they will be posted as an officer and can be a pilot in any of the Air Force Station.
- Both male and female graduate or postgraduates can apply for the post of the officer by clearing the initial procedure (Passing the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)).
- The Engineers can also find their job opportunities in Indian force by completing the selection procedures including admission tests and rigorous training program.
The aspirants can start their earning from the last year of the training period. At the final year, the candidates will receive the stipend of Rs. 21000. There are three branches of services in Indian Air Force such as Flying branch, Ground duty branch and Technical branch.
The salary for each service (including allowances) will be an approximate amount of Rs. 74000, Rs. 63000 and 65000 respectively.
Various posts in Indian Air Force
The job roles in Indian Air Force are broadly classified into three services, they are
- Flying branch
- Technical branch
- Ground Duty Branch
Some of the main job roles are listed below.
Fighter pilots: the main duty of the fighter pilots is to safeguard and defence their nation from the attacks and calamities. For doing their duties, they are equipped with the cameras for the pinpoint bombing, radars, electronic devices etc.
Air traffic Control officer: they are responsible for ensuring the safety of pilots by controlling and proving advisory services to the pilots.
Navigators: Navigators work for directing the pilots using the radars, navigational equipment, optical devices etc.
Transport Pilots: here, the personals are responsible for carrying, materials, men and explosives like weapons, bombs to the required places.
Logistic officer: here the job role of the person is to provide the logistic support such as fuel, mechanical transport, and aircraft spares etc.
Metrology Branch Officer: here, the aspirants have to deal with the scientific works like weather forecasting using latest tools and technologies and conducting related research works.
Pilots: they entrusted to flying the aircraft for protecting the territories and also to provide the supplies during calamities etc.
The other job roles are:
- Aeronautical Engineers in Mechanical Branch and Electronic Branch
- Fighter Controller
- Accounts officer
- Education branch officer
- Fighters & fighter bombers, Bombers
Pros and Cons of having a career in Indian Air force
Pros
- The candidates join the service at their younger age and they will be acquainted with a well-disciplined life.
- This is not a normal office life which will become monotonous for the employees.
- The aspirants and their families can also enjoy the benefits including health care, education, retirement life etc.
Cons
- The job involves both risk and threats
- Should follow the intense routine under pressure
- Should have alertness and dedication to undertake the duties at any time.