| Details : | Air Commodore Arvind Menon (17034) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as an air traffic controller in administrative branch on 29 Dec 1982. In a career spanning over thirty three years, the officer has served in a wide array of appointments encompassing operational, administrative, staff and instructional assignments. He was closely associated with IPKF operations as a controller during 'Op Pawan', for which he was commended by the Chief of Air Staff in 1988. He served as C Adm 0 at Command Hospital, AF Bangalore, where he played a pivotal role in the upgrade of Admin and Medical infrastructure, leading to the Hospital being adjudged the best Armed Forces Hospital on three consecutive occasions. He served as the C Adm 0 of a premier fighter base in the Western sector, where he was closely involved in infrastructure upgrade planning for induction of newly acquired fighter ac. As JDPO-3 at Air HQ, he demonstrated his flair for HR management through significant contributions in the formulation of policies pertaining to terms and conditions and management of SSC cadre. The officer has also served a three year instructional assignment in the College of Defence Management. As Principal Director Organisation (Administration) at Air HQ, the officer was successful in putting together an effective team in Dte of Org for pursuing several administrative initiatives for Govt approval. Scaling of winter clothing for cooks, enhanced rations, protective clothing for safaiwalas, chef coat for instructional staff at NTTI, Belgaum and meals ready-to-eat for Garud Special Forces are some of the initiatives that have reached fruition. He provided added impetus to the efforts of units for procurement of modern kitchen equipment by leveraging his effective liaison with the Pr IFA(AF) and the Addl CGDA to expedite long pending cases. As a step towards greater fire safety awareness in units, he guided the Org team effort towards the issue of a comprehensive lAP on Domestic Fire Services. He was also an integral part of the team that worked towards the creation of a software module for pan-Air Force linkage of Adm Control Centres in support of operations. As CPSO, HQ WAC, resolution of manpower issues, expeditious processing of outsourcing proposals, pro-active steps towards improvement in messing facilities, development of sports infrastructure and streamlining of security related procurements by units have been his focus areas, which have yielded positive results. For his distinguished service of high order, professionalism, unmatched zeal and constant pursuit of excellence, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Air Commodore Arvind Menon (Retired). |
