This is apropos of the letter by Mr Karam A. Siddiqui ‘Educators in the armed forces’ (Feb 11). He says it all in the last paragraph. However, there are quite a few anamolies in the letter which need clarification.

Granted that at the stage of joining service, education officers have better academic qualifications compared to flying branch entrants.

Does this then give them a higher intellectual level too? I am not sure if the writer can qualify that statement. It is important to note that the age group at which future pilots are inducted is much lower to that of the educators and for very good reasons.

Flying is a profession best learnt at a young age. One can do a doctorate at 50 years of age, but one cannot possibly learn the intricacies of fighter-flying at that age.

The writer has narrowed down qualification to mere academics and degrees. Qualifications then need to be explained, and, besides, there is no mention of professional and administrative qualification. It is common knowledge that by the time a flying branch officer grows to become a base commander, he must have attended and qualified a hoard of professional and administrative courses. These courses are rigorous, intense, and highly competitive and their assessment and evaluation forms the basis of subsequent higher appointments.

On the professional score, gone are the days of kick the tyre and light the fire.

In today’s world, an aviator has to do serious studies and educate himself in-depth about all the advanced avionics and weaponry. Only then can he master his weapon system. Having been associated with the profession for over 42 years, I can say with conviction that today’s aviator is no less than a senior surgeon or an experienced engineer, for he has to continuously keep himself updated with the fast-changing innovations in the aviation and avionics field.

The writer’s observation about graduates in liberal arts and agriculture writing ACRs is hilarious, to say the least. Flying-branch folks have to graduate in avionics and aviation-related subjects or no wings for them. ACRs are normally written by squadron commanders who are mostly staff-college qualified.

As for avoiding seniors from other branches, exceptions cannot be quoted as the norm. A senior is a senior regardless of the branch and that is how the tradition and rules of the services has been taught ever.

To sum it up, it will be valid to say that fighting arms will always be given preference over supporting arms, regardless of the service. This is true for services all over the world.

To put it in more simple words, aviators are like gemstones, and educators are one of the tools that are used to polish the gemstones and turn them into diamonds.

YALMAZ SALIM ARSHI Karachi