In the Indian Airforce, officers and Airmen earn various badges based on their role. These badges are worn on their uniform, making it easy to identify their role. It is a sort of qualification badge showing the expertise of an individual. Most of these badges follow the same color scheme, however after reading this article you will be able to identify the badge by looking at it on a uniform. Let’s start with the list of badges earned in the Indian Airforce. So that whenever you see one you know what it means.
IAF Pilot’s Badge
This badge is only worn by the officers as the flying role is only limited to officers. This badge consists of two wings with “IAF” in the center, with the state emblem above it. There are also variations of this badge. which are worn on flying overalls, winter uniforms, and mess dinner jackets.
IAF Navigator’s Badge
This badge consists of a wing only on one side, however, there is an “N” in place of “IAF”. Navigators wear this badge. With the use of radar systems and map reading, they guide the pilot to reach the destination safely.
Badge For IAF Signaler (Air)
This badge is similar to Navigator’s badge, but there is an “S” in place of an “N”. It is worn by flight signalers on the left side of the chest over service ribbons. Their work is to set up communication between aircraft and the base with the help of radio and other digital communication systems.
Badge For IAF Flight Engineers
This badge is worn by flight engineers. It is similar to Navigator’s badge, but there is an “E” in place of an “N”. Pre and post-flight safety checks, in-flight instruments, control systems, warning systems checks, assisting pilots. They are also responsible for pre-flight engine startup, and post-flight engine shutdown.
Badge For IAF Flight Gunners
This badge is similar to Navigator’s badge, but there is a “G” in place of an “N”. This badge is worn by flight gunners responsible for the inspection and operation of machine guns on planes and helicopters, they are also known as door gunners.
Let’s learn some more interesting Badges earned in the Indian Airforce.
Parachute Qualifying Wing
This badge is similar to the Pilot wing, however, the only difference is in place of “IAF” and the state emblem, there is a parachute between the wings. It is worn on the right sleeve, below the shoulder. This badge is earned after completing the Para basic course.
IAF Instructors Of Parachute Jumping Badge
This badge is similar to a gunner’s or signaler’s badger, but instead on any latter, there is a small parachute below the state emblem. It is worn by instructors teaching para jumping to personnel of IAF and friendly foreign nations.
FC (Aircrew) IAF Badge
This badge is similar to Navigator’s badge, but there is an “FC” in place of an “N”. The Adm/FC branch officers are eligible to wear the badge
Aircrew IAF Electronic System Operators Badge
The officers of the AE (L) branch are eligible for the badge. Also similar to the Navigators badge, but with an “L” below the state emblem.
Badge For IAF Controllers
This badge consists of an eagle holding a bolt of lightning. Their main job is to give clearance to the pilot for take-off and landing, locate enemy aircraft, and also to direct pilots to safer routes.
IAF SAGW Insignia
This badge is worn by those capable of operating surface-to-air Ground weapons. It is worn over the name tag on the right side of the chest. It also consists of an eagle but with a missile.
There were the Badges earned in the Indian Airforce. Now whenever you see one, you know what it means.
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