Wg Cdr Om Krishan Dogra is on the posted strength of Air Headquarters (VB) since April 1987 and is presently working as Deputy Director in the Directorate of Maintenance Plans and Quality Assurance. Pursuant to the recommendations of Special Committee on Flight Safety in 1982, Government accepted the need for upgrading and restructuring the technical type-training in IAF and the Directorate of Maintenance Plans and Quality Assurance at Air Headquarters was made responsible for this special task.

With virtually no resources at his disposal, Wg Cdr Dogra set about the task of establishing these Schools/Units with great enthusiasm and perseverence. With his ability of planning, execution and rich experience, he compiled a detailed Project Report encompassing the entire activities ranging from site formulation of syllabi for each course, procurement of training aids and provision of requisite facilities.

The first TETTRA School for providing training on MiG-23 and MiG-27 aircraft commenced functioning with full infra-structure from Jul 87, within four months after taking up this task by Wg Cdr Dogra. Eight more TETTRA Schools and seven TTCs were also established well within the stipulated period.

There was no type training facility in the IAF for Mi-35/Mi-26 helicopters and Dornier aircraft and some highly sophisticated Air Armament Stores. To meet the type training needs of the aircraft, AE officers and technicians were sent abroad periodically. Wg Cdr Dogra, realising the resource constraints, especially in foreign exchange, succeeded in getting Government Sanction for opening of training units for these weapon systems. With the opening of these Type Training Schools, not only the precious FFE have been saved but also the availability of type trained personnel has considerably increased.

For his high sense of commitment, personal involvement, professional excellence, result oriented approach and outstanding ability, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wg Cdr OK Dogra.