Air Vice Marshal Charanjit Lal Mago was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on the 6th Sept 1961. During has long service career spreading over 31 years, the Air Officer has held with distinction various assignments in flying training stations, fighter squadrons, operational wings, base repair depots and Air Headquarters.

One of the first assignments that the officer had was formation of a fighter squadron equipped with Gnat Aircraft just a few months before the outbreak of Indo­Pak hostilities in 1965. Not only the formation of the squadron was smooth, but it was brought to the fully operational standard by the time war broke out and the squadron could take active part in the operations.

After training abroad on Mirage­2000 in 1984, the officer led a team of professionals to set up facilities for servicing of this 'state of the art' aircraft in a very short period so that the aircraft could be made operational immediately on arrival. With meticulous planning and professional capability of a very high order, the officer was able to set up the base and ensured that the aircraft flew immediately on its arrival in India from France.

During 1986-1989, the Air Officer commanded one prestigious base repair depot of the Indian Air Force. During this period, the depot achieved high production in respect of aircraft, engines and rotables, consequently the best BRD Trophy of HQ MC was awarded to the depot.

As Assistant Chief of the Air Staff at Air HQ, the Air Officer was responsible for the management of combat fleet of Russian origin. Despite problems being faced due to the political developments in the erstwhile Soviet Union, the officer had been able to manage the maintenance of MiG fighter jets without affecting their serviceability.

Air Vice Marshal Charanjit Lal Mago has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.