Group Captain Amar Jeet Singh Sodhi was commissioned on the 1st December, 1961. He has since held with distinction various assignments connected with aircraft maintenance/servicing.

As the Chief Engineering Officer of the Aviation Research Centre and later, of the vital Transport Base of the Indian Air Force, Group Captain Sodhi ensured highest possible serviceability rates, thereby, ensuring successful completion of high priority operational tasks. The impact of his efficient management and professionalism was manifest in substantial improvements in the entire spectrum of maintenance activities. As Chief Production Officer at a vital Base Repair Depot, he was able to not only reduce the unit cost of production but was also able to raise the production level of the BRD to cover 100% of the planned targets through effective control, forecasting and regular monitoring of the inventory.

As Director Engineering 'D' in Air Headquarters since September 1986, Group Captain Sodhi has been responsible for maintenance management of the Indian Air Force transport fleet of the Soviet origin. Bringing to bear his thorough professional expertise, managerial acumen and dedicated application, he has been responsible for the smooth induction of additional IL-76, AN-32, Mi-17 and Mi26 aircraft and helicopters into the Indian Air Force during the last two years. His systematic review of existing spares backing vis­à­vis immediate and future requirements has ensured a very high fleet serviceability to meet operational commitments. The on­call availability of the transport fleet during the last two years in 'Operation Pawan', 'Operation Meghdoot', 'Operation Cactus' and the 'Armenian Relief Operation' is really a tribute to the officer's ability to respond effectively and immediately even to unplanned escalations in demand for spares and maintenance support.

During his tenure as Director Engineering 'D', he also pioneered the task of not only setting up the Cat 'B' and Intermediate Repair Lines of AN-32, but also the servicing facilities for the aircraft at HAL Barrackpore and HAL Agra. The erection and successful commissioning of the first overhaul facilities for AN-32 Aero-engines at a vital Base Repair Depot is yet another example of the officer's untiring efforts to enhance the operational preparedness of the Air Force.

Group Captain Amar Jeet Singh Sodhi has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.