In the run-up to @IAF_MCC Day, I will share a few threads, going back to its origins. As the decision for an Indian Air Force was made, the burning question was, should IAF be a separate entity? This thread explores the answers by then AVM WGH Salmond, AOC RAF in India. (1/5)
To the question of making IAF a branch of the Indian Army, AVM Salmond was vehemently opposed. He presented FIVE arguments as in the image. The most powerful of them was that the IAF needed to think and behave differently to achieve the objectives it was being formed for. 2/
The second option of making IAF an independent “setup” within the Army Act to avoid fresh legislation was considered a smart idea by Salmond, but not recommended as it would be at best a stop-gap arrangement, “kicking the can down the road” solution. 3/
He closed his remarks by calling out the need to recognize a “technical force” with its own culture and giving the best possible shot to succeed. It was his arguments that put in motion the decision to legislate for an Independent Indian Air Force Act. 4/
Nearly 4 years later, the Indian Air Force Act came into force, creating an independent Air Force.5/
Originally published on Twitter
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