Air Commodore (now

Air Vice Marshal) Idris Hassan Latif joined the Indian Air Force in 1942. He saw active service during World War II. He has held several

important staff appointments and has commended with distinction, operational and Flying Training Stations and has flown a variety of aircraft. He attended the Defence Services Staff College Course and the National Defence College Course. He was member of the IAF Advisory Group in Indonesia and was also the Air Attaché at the Embassy of India in the USA. In both these assignments, he rendered valuable service. As Air Officer Commanding Jammu and Kashmir, he devised procedures for effective control of aircraft movements in that region particularly the Ladakh area, thus enhancing flying safety in hilly terrain. Again, as Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters, Eastern Air Command, he contributed significantly in planning Transport Support Operations in NEFA and Nagaland. As Air Officer Commanding of an Air Force Station, he regularly flew high performance aircraft setting an example for the aircrew by his qualities of courage and leadership. He has also taken great interest in the welfare of officers and men serving under him and has substantially improved their living and working conditions.