Retired Air Vice Marshal Giles Gomez offered an in-depth look into this lesser known world that included not just his service in Jammu Kashmir but also his foray in aeromedical sciences.

As part of the on-going career guidance initiative, the school welcomed Air Vice Marshal (Dr) Giles Gomez VSM (retired) to conduct a meaningful, explorative session on the life of an Indian Armed Force personnel. Ever since Gomes hung up his uniform and returned to his home state, Goa, he has been committed to highlighting the good work being done by the dedicated IAF. 

Gomez shared his personal career trajectory which started after he graduated from the prestigious Armed Forces Medical College,Pune, and thereafter was commissioned in the Armed Forces as a medical officer. He served his first five years in the Army and was posted at the Line of Control on the western sector and at high altitude in  Jammu & Kashmir, where he was involved in live operations. 

Students also learnt about the Air Force, where Gomes specialised in Aerospace Medicine. In 1989 he was sent for further studies with the Royal Air Force in the UK and became the first Indian national to obtain a post graduate Diploma in Aerospace Medicine from the Royal College of Physicians London. 

It was intriguing for the students to learn about the ample learning opportunities available in the IAF. Gomes spoke about his training in Space Medicine at NASA Johnson Space Centre, Houston, USA after which he became a NASA certified Astronaut Medical Trainer.

Recipient of the Vishisht Seva Medal by the honorable President of India in 2011, Gomes also walked through his time commanding the Aeromedical Training Centre at Hindon, UP, and the prestigious Institute of Aerospace Medicine in Bangalore. He was instrumental in setting up the Space Medicine facilities at Bangalore, which is being used for the current ISRO Gaganyan Space Program.

Students were amazed to discover the different areas of service and specialisations that are possible in the IAF. It was a truly enlightening and much appreciated session.