Flight cadets are divided into smaller groups or teams during their pre-commissioning training at Air Force Academy, Dundigal (AFA). These are the AFA Squadrons, the foundation of military training and camaraderie. If you aspire to join AFA as a flight cadet, you must know these their names and today, we tell you so.
Air Force Academy
AFA is situated at Dundigal, about 43 kms from Hyderabad, Telegana. Here, young cadets get training to become air warriors across the different branches of the Indian Air Force. Established in 1969, AFA spans over an area of about 705 acres. Candidates can join AFA Dundigal in different ways:
- National Defence Academy (NDA) cadets opting for the Indian Air Force
- Clearing the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE), which is only open to males
- Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) entry
- NCC Special Entry
- Clearing AFSB through GATE score entry
After making it to the academy, flight cadets undergo training for 52 weeks whereas UTFOs (under training flying officers) train for about 74 weeks.
Need for AFA Squadrons
On reaching the academy, all cadets are divided into squadrons to build qualities that promise to help them through their careers. Some of the reasons are as follows:
- Developing team spirit through inter-squadron competitions.
- Administrative efficiency to manage numerous cadets together.
- Simulating service life, as these cadets will serve in squadrons and other units after commissioning.
- Building leadership through appointments.
These squadrons exist to build air warriors out of civilians and form the foundation of training at the academy. Hence, a lot of times, the interviewing officer asks questions about their names and other details in the AFSB personal interview. Not knowing anything casts a bad impression.
What Are the AFA Squadrons?
Flight cadets and UTFOs are divided into six AFA squadrons during the course of their training. Each squadrons gets its name from a former commandant of the Air Force Academy Dundigal and carries its own legacy.
I. Aquino
This is the first of the six AFA squadrons. Aquino squadron gets its name after the first commandant of AFA Dundigal, Air Commodore J.D. Aquino, AVSM. Its cadets, often called The Aquilas, wear dark blue jerseys.
II. Brar
This squadron was named after Air Vice Marshal Trilochan Singh Brar, AVSM. He later served as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff. The Brar Bisons flaunt their red jerseys during training.
III. Chitnis
This is the third of all AFA squadrons, named after the third commandant of AFA Dundigal, Air Vice Marshal H.R. Chitnis. Its cadets, the Cheetahs, wear bright yellow jerseys.
IV. Desa
It gets its name from Air Vice Marshal Terence Joseph Desa and is one of the new AFA squadrons. Desa Daredevils wear black jerseys during training.
V. Katre
This squadron has green-coloured jerseys and Killers title. It gets its name after the second commandant of AFA, Air Commodore Lakshman Madhav Katre, AVSM, who later served as the Chief of the Air Staff.
VI. Naidu
Naidu is the last of the AFA Squadrons and gets its name from Air Vice Marshal Rajagopal Sriramulu Naidu. The Naidu Ninjas wear maroon jerseys.
Each AFA squadron is a symbol of military leadership, taught from the first day at AFA Dundigal. Irrespective of the name, all six squadrons uplift the academy motto of Shram Se Siddhi and train hard to touch the sky with glory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about AFA Squadrons
Q. How many AFA squadrons are there?
A. There are six AFA squadrons, namely, Aquino, Brar, Chitnis, Desa, Katre, and Naidu.
Q. AFA squadrons get their name from?
A. The AFA squadrons get their names after the six commandants of the Air Force Academy, Dundigal.
Q. How do I know which squadron I will get in AFA?
A. You can find out your squadron details by the concerned authorities after reaching the academy.
