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Air Force psychologist attends ISOC, strengthening international partnerships, global approach to mental health

  • Published
  • By Maristela Romero
  • Air Force Surgeon General Public Affairs
FALLS CHURCH, Va. --  

The Department of the Air Force continues to set the standard in mission readiness, empowering Airmen and Guardians through innovative training designed to support national security objectives. The DAF’s commitment to strengthening international security cooperation is an enabling factor in one Air Force Medical Service Airman’s chance to complete professional military development while employing her personal and professional skillsets to build relations with service members from partner nations.

Image of an Airman jumping.

Capt. Maria Fernandez-Gomez, student at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy, holds navigates an obstacle at the Leadership Reaction Course Complex at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland’s Chapman Training Annex, Texas. During course, known as Project X, students work in a team environment. Fernandez-Gomez was one of approximately 20 Department of the Air Force Airmen and Guardians who completed professional military education training with partner nation students at the Academy. IAAFA is the only Air Force institution that teaches courses in Spanish to more than 24 partner nations across the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Air Force photo by Vanessa R. Adame)
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U.S. Air Force Capt. Maria Fernandez-Gomez, a psychologist and mental health element lead at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey, completed the Inter-American Squadron Officer Course December 2024 - a unique opportunity for professional development and broadening international relations. She is one of the few Air Force medics in her field to attend the course.

ISOC is a premier eight-week Inter-American Air Forces Academy program, hosted at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, and is strategically designed to forge resilient leaders capable of excelling in a complex global environment. Established in 1995 and fully accredited by the Air University, the course focuses on leadership, communication, warfighting, and strategic thinking. It is taught entirely in Spanish and builds cross-cultural awareness, international leadership skills, and security cooperation.

“ISOC offers everything that SOS [Squadron Officer School] provides, which is important for our students to ensure they receive PME [professional military education] credit for their O-4 boards,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. James Aguilera, international professional military education flight commander, 837th Training Squadron. “Both courses are exceptional, creating an environment that equips officers with vital experiences, preparing them to lead and excel in any mission.”

Image of Airmen sitting at a desk.

Capt. Maria Fernandez-Gomez, student at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy, talks to her classmates, Oct. 21, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Fernandez-Gomez is one of about 20 Department of the Air Force Airmen and Guardians who completed in professional military education classes with partner nation students. IAAFA teaches professional military education, technical training and aircrew training. It is the only Air Force institution that teaches courses in Spanish to more than 24 partner nations across the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Air Force photo by Vanessa R. Adame)
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Aguilera said the ISOC fosters engagement with international military students from 24 Latin American countries.

“The fellowship and camaraderie forged during the eight weeks here create lifelong friendships and professional connections,” he said. “These international students impart as much knowledge to us as we do to them. This is key for young Department of the Air Force company grade officers to learn as they grow into tomorrow’s senior leaders.”

For Fernandez-Gomez, attending ISOC is more than just professional development. It’s a chance to bring her background and skills to an international audience while enhancing her ability to support the Air Force population and its beneficiaries as a psychologist.

A global approach to resilience and readiness

At 18 years old, Fernandez-Gomez moved from the Dominican Republic to the United States for educational opportunities, and eventually joined the Air Force through its selective Healthcare Professional Scholarship Program. By 2022, she earned a Doctor of Psychology degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in clinical psychology. Her personal experience in adapting to different countries has shaped her worldview, providing her with insights that she now applies to her work in mental health.

A key benefit of ISOC is the interaction between DAF members and officers and enlisted personnel from Latin America, which helps build bonds and new perspectives.

Image of Airmen listening to a presentation.

Capt. Maria Fernandez-Gomez, student at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy, attends an educational panel Oct. 21, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Fernandez-Gomez is one of approximately 20 Department of the Air Force Airmen and Guardians who completed professional military education with partner nation students at the Academy. IAAFA teaches professional military education, technical training and aircrew training. It is the only Air Force institution that teaches courses in Spanish to more than 24 partner nations across the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Air Force photo by Vanessa R. Adame)
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“The course goes beyond leadership skills, strengthening our ability to collaborate seamlessly with international partners and enhancing our operational effectiveness,” Fernandez-Gomez said. “Learning from officers across different countries and cultures is invaluable. It allows me to think more broadly and apply [various] leadership and communication styles, which is essential in my role as a psychologist.”

The ISOC curriculum offers cutting-edge training, from team-building exercises to strategic decision-making, ensuring leaders are prepared to navigate and succeed in any mission-critical scenario.

Fernandez-Gomez hopes to inspire other Air Force medical personnel to pursue opportunities beyond traditional clinical roles.

“Being in the clinic is important, but I want to show that there are many ways to serve and make a broader impact,” she said. “We have the opportunity to carve out impactful careers, using our unique skills to strengthen and elevate the Air Force’s mission.”

As she continues through ISOC and beyond, Fernandez-Gomez remains committed to promoting an informed approach to mental health care within the Air Force. Her work strengthens the resilience of Airmen and fosters a deeper understanding of the complexities of serving in a global military environment.