There comes a time when national interests are of greater import than those of aggrieved sections. And that time has come as far as the grievances of the Air Force ground duty officers are concerned. They believe themselves to be discriminated against, with a hundred percent increase in allowances while the flying branch has got around eight times that much. They may have a point on that score, but the platform to debate that point is not the roads, runways and the fax machines of the various Air Force stations. There are sections within the various service Acts which regulate the airing of grievances. And that is the only route to be followed if there is to be an honourable way out of this sorry situation. For at the end of the day, to maintain a system ever ready for combat, there can never be any let up on discipline. It is after all the integrity of the force that will take it to war, and make it win. If the force lacks that integrity, that cohesiveness, it can never be a winner. And that, unfortunately, is what is today wanting in the Air Force where discipline is virtually non-existent.It has always been said of the armed forces, when the wives get involved with service matters it is time to wave the danger flag. This has been amply demonstrated by those ladies who created the ruckus in Bangalore, Jodhpur and Jamnagar. They demeaned themselves, their other halves and the uniform worn by their husbands. Blame should equally be shared by the husbands, airmen and officers, who allowed such public washing of dirty linen. Thus it is time now to enforce discipline as it is inscribed in the Air Force Act. This unseemly behaviour has gone on for far too long, and it is time now for national interests to prevail. Unionisation of the armed forces cannot be tolerated, ever, and under any circumstances. These deplorable activities in the various Air Force bases have only given an opportunity to the unfriendly neighbourhood intelligence agency to play merry hell. How long must they be allowed to continue laughing? Not very long if the Air Force gets its act together. Which it must if it is to redeem itself from the infamy that currently looms over the service. And then introspect why and where things went wrong.Air Headquarters would today have been in a pacific state had it kept its antennas out in the clear listening to signals of discontent. It did not, always presuming that things were under control, and would not get out of hand. Well, they were not hunky dory, and they did get out of hand, and if Air HQs had its channels of communication open to all who wear the same uniform, it would not find itself in the bind that it does. It must share a portion of the blame and take corrective measures. The honour of the service is at stake, and tied to that honour is that of the nation. The discipline and dedication of the Indian armed forces has always been a source of pride for the country, especially when compared to those who share the same heritage and historical baggage as us. This must not be allowed to degenerate and decay. In this golden anniversary year of our independence, aggrieved servicemen cannot bring ridicule upon the service and India. That is final, and non-negotiable.
