2007/05/05 The Wings Parade at the Army School of Aviation, Middle Wallop - 5 March 2007

It has been a great privilege for me to present the Wings and Trophies to you today. This is a proud occasion for you, your relatives and friends - some of whom have travelled considerable distances to be with you. To them I say thank you for coming and making this an extra special occasion. Your support has been important so far. It will be even more vital in the years ahead.

To you new Army pilots I give my warmest congratulations. You have passed what is acknowledged to be one of the most demanding courses in the Armed Forces. To graduate as a military pilot you have to work hard, be able to overcome unexpected problems - sometimes several at a time - show considerable intelligence, grit and determination. That you have successfully completed this part of your training is testament to your ability and character. The training has to be tough, because operational theatres are tough environments.

We all know the importance of air power in the 21st Century. We only need look at what is happening today in Iraq and Afghanistan to see the vital role played by aircraft. In both theatres, Lynx act as vital workhorses for our forces - as the eyes and ears - doing difficult jobs in dangerous circumstances. And of course in Afghanistan Apache has performed wonderfully.BR>
It has become the support weapon of choice for ground forces, delivering decisive effect on the battleground. I was recently privileged to visit both theatres where I heard nothing but praise for the efforts of your colleagues out there. I also had a chance to speak to the pilots and ground crew from your Corps they were inspirational men and women doing a challenging job well.

Of course some of you will soon be heading that way. You can do so in the knowledge that your training will have given you the best possible preparation.

Wherever you are posted it will be hard work. You will be busy - very busy. But it is important and worthwhile. I know that you will all rise to the challenge.

I want to say a few words about people issues. I recognise the pressure that you and all military people and their families are under and I wholeheartedly accept my responsibility to ensure you are looked after.

That is why I am delighted the Treasury has agreed to implement the Armed Forces Pay Award in full from 1st April. I think this is well deserved. I know you are not in it for the money, but I hope it sends a signal about how much we value your contribution. Equally the operational tax free bonus is a just reward to those who place themselves in danger's way.

On accommodation, I realise that while some is good, too much is poor. We have real problems here and they will take time to fix. But I want you to be clear about my personal commitment to make sure this happens as quickly as possible. Accommodation improvement projects are underway and I am very grateful for your patience.

It would be remise of me not to say a word of thanks to your instructors, for turning all of the graduates into world class airmen and women. It takes very special qualities to do this and all the instructors here should be very proud of their efforts and yours.

It is a great privilege to do this job. The more I see of our Armed Forces, the more impressed I am by the courage, professionalism and commitment of our people. You are about to make an important contribution to the finest armed forces in the world.

I wish you the best of luck and thank you.