Read a first-hand account of his day's schedule to get a glimpse of his work
and life.
Every Air Force base is like a city that never sleeps. There is so much activity
happening at every moment that the dynamism of the unit fills me with enthusiasm.
My day normally begins at 3:00 A.M., as I am required to report for work at 4:00
A.M.
My job is to ensure that the batteries have been fitted in their respective
aircraft and Daily Inspection performed. It is a job of tremendous responsibility.
If I am the senior-most Sergeant on duty, I also have to ensure that the Form
700 to declare the aircraft serviceable has been signed by all the tradesmen.
It is then time for all the Daily Servicing Section personnel to report for the
FOD parade. After the parade, I return to the Daily Servicing Section to ensure
that no aircraft is delayed for its mission.
After the aircraft have taken off, which is usually by 7:30 A.M., I enjoy
a wholesome breakfast at the Squadron Cafeteria. After the aircraft returns from
its mission, we prepare the aircraft again to keep it ready for the next detail.
It is usually 1:30 P.M. when the last Daily Inspection for my shift is to be executed.
Before leaving, I brief my counterpart and then return home.
After lunch, I take an hour's rest. Twice a week we are required to report
for Physical Training as well as Shramdan - a voluntary community work that all
Air Force personnel participate in to ensure cleanliness of our area and surroundings.
On other days, I use any of the recreational facilities provided on the Base.
Occasionally, I enjoy a game of basketball or swimming.
Evenings are strictly reserved for spending time with my two-year-old-daughter
and my wife. Sometimes, I dream with open eyes that my daughter is all grown up
and has joined the Indian Air Force as an Officer. With such hopes and aspirations,
I retire to bed by 8:00 P.M., wondering what challenges and excitement, tomorrow
has in store for me.
Most
animated when speaking of his two-year-old daughter, Sergeant RKK Sharan, handles
immense responsibilities in the Indian Air Force. Posted at Air Force Station
Bathinda, he works in the capacity of an Electrical Fitter. He is responsible
for the maintenance of some of the most sophisticated equipment in the world.
