Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa to attend combined graduation parade

: Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, the Chief of Air Staff, will attend the combined graduation parade, marking completion of pre-commissioning training by flight cadets of various branches of Indian Air Force on June 16, at the Air Force Academy at nearby Dundigal.

The Air Chief Marshal, who will be the chief guest, will review the passing out parade and confer the 'Presidents Commission' to the graduating trainees, a defence release said here today.

He will also present 'Wings and Brevets' to newly commissioned officers of the flying branch and to officers from its sister services-- the Navy and Coast Guard, it said.

The Reviewing Officer will present the President's Plaque and 'Sword of Honour' to the flight cadet standing first in Order of Merit in the 'Flying branch' and also award the Plaque to toppers (first in Overall Merit) in the Navigation branch and Ground Duty branches, the release said.

The Pre-Commissioning training for various branches such as flying, navigation, administration, logistics, accounts, education and meteorology commences in January and July every year and culminates with the 'Combined Graduation Parade' after nearly 12 months of rigorous training in December and June respectively, it said.

On Commissioning, they are awarded the rank of 'Flying Officer' in the IAF, the release added.