Sheppard student Instructor pilot selected for international officer course

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt Ava Margerison
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  During a routine post-flight debriefing, a T-6 Texan II instructor pilot's attention to order and detail was suddenly interrupted.

Capt. Freddy Rodriguez, 89th Flying Training Squadron, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, was taken by surprise Aug. 22 when he was notified of his selection to the International Squadron Officer School through the Inter-American Air Forces Academy at Lackland AFB, Texas.

The ISOS is similar to the Squadron Officer School at Maxwell AFB, Ala., where they train Air Force officers the leadership capabilities needed to manage a squadron of Airmen. The international version of the program has been adapted to teach both Latin American and U.S. Air Force captains in the same environment. The school allows students the opportunity to be, "developed Airmen ready to lead air, space and cyberspace power in a war-fighting environment."

Hearing about the program, Rodriguez felt drawn to it due to his Latin American background.

"Because of my heritage, the ISOS program seemed like an experience I could really enjoy, as well as give me the opportunity to progress in my military career," he said.

In lieu of the standard SOS course, Rodriguez will train with potential Latin American partner nation's military leaders, while developing his understanding of partner nation cooperation. He will train in international relations, developing his personal leadership through team building and communicative exercises.

Rodriguez is currently a student IP in the Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program. He said he's learned a lot from working with his NATO partners here and looks forward to the new opportunities ISOS can potentially provide for an Air Force officer.

"Working with international students at ENJJPT has developed my perspective as an officer," Rodriguez said. "ISOS will allow me to grasp a unique set of language skills to master my foreign language endeavor. It will allow me to connect with more of my students."

Rodriguez was 1 of 12 captains chosen and only 1 of 2 pilots to attend. He is humbled by the opportunity.

"It is an honor to now be able to represent the U.S. Air Force within the Latin American officers" He said.

Col Lance Bunch, 80th Flying Training Wing commander, raved about Rodriquez's qualifications.

"Capt Rodriguez was an ideal candidate for this program. His career background, language proficiency and top performance are what make him a great selection. The experiences he will gain from ISOS will go far in strengthening our wing's international mission."

Rodriguez will start school in February 2014 to begin his three-month Latin-integrated education.