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After graduating from NDA Khadakvasla (with Silver Medal for being first in order of Merit) and Air Force Flying College (with President’s Plaque for Best All Round performance), Mr. Patney was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in May 1961. Major appointments held during his Air Force service include: Air Adviser at the High Commission of India, London, Command of a Jaguar Base, Air Officer Commanding J&K, Air Defense Commander Western Air Command, Senior Air Staff Officer Western Air Command, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Central Air Command, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Air Command (during Kargil Conflict), and Vice Chief of Air Staff. Decorations and Awards include Vir Chakra, 1965; Mention in Despatches, 1971; Commendation by Chief of Air Staff, 1980; Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, 1996; Param Vishisht Seva Medal, 1998; Savottham Yudh Seva Medal, 1999. Mr. Patney was the highest decorated serving officer in the three Armed Forces.
After retiring in July 2001, Mr. Patney served as Director General HelpAge India. He has been a member of the National Security Advisory Board since December, 2001and has participated in seminars and discussions on security issues on a regular basis. He has contributed articles for newspapers, professional journals and seminar papers. Mr. Patney is invited regularly to deliver lectures on air power and allied subjects to varied audiences, Indian and foreign. |
