| Details : | Group Captain Rajiv Mittal (19109) was commissioned in Indian Air Force as an engineer in the Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) branch on 14 Sep 87. He is presently commanding Groundcrew Examining Board (GEB), Chandigarh. He has held various key appointments, which include Senior Engineer (Electronics) at two flying bases, Chief Engineering Officer at a Training Establishment, Commanding Officer of a Tropo Unit and Base Commander of the Main Command and Control Hub Centre of DRDO. During his tenure as CO of a Tropo unit, he carried out modifications on the exhaust system of 1 KW Power Amplifier Module, which eliminated frequent link loss. While on deputation to DRDO in 2009, he successfully established a multi-layered Secure Communication Network (SCN) spread over 150 locations, encompassing Army, Navy, Air Force and DRDO. This network enables foolproof and security communication for Defence Strategic requirements. On assuming the command of GEB, AF, the unit responsible for conducting Airmen Promotion Examination (AIRPEXl, Gp Capt Rajiv Mittal was entrusted with the responsibility of replacing the conventional method of conducting the written part of AIRPEX to Online Testing and Evaluation System (OTES). The officer collected and collated data on the facilities available at different IAF bases, worked out the detailed system requirement, network architecture and prepared a comprehensive Project Plan. To make this vision a reality, the officer conducted presentations at all Commands HQ. Owing to his sheer commitment, in-depth planning and unwavering focus, the first phase of OTES is expected to functional by the end of this year. The completion of the project will pave way to tremendous saving in man-hours, reduction of movement of personnel, enhanced availability of manpower for operational commitments and quick declaration of results. With an aim to minimise the rate of failure in AIRPEX, Gp Capt Rajiv Mittal researched deep into the various reasons of failure of airmen in promotion examinations and attached each cause at its root by taking up the specific cases with various Bases, Commands, Weapon Cells, Directorates and Training Centres, He wrote individually to each air warrior appearing in his last chance of AIRPEX. His proactive approach and involvement has started reaping rich dividends with the failure rate already showing a downward trend. He has introduced novel concepts like the Instructional Ability Test, which identifies deserving air warriors capable of instructional duties by screening the air warriors who perform exceptionally well in AIRPEX. This will prove to be a valuable input for Air Force Record Office in posting instructors to Training Institutes. For the distinguished service of a high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Rajiv Mittal. |
