Operational Psychology
Postdoctoral Fellowship

This 1-year post-doctoral fellowship trains Air Force psychologists in military operational psychology. Training focuses on principles and application of operational skillsets, including Assessment/Selection, SERE, IO and MISO, HUMINT consultation, adversary profiling, personnel recovery, aircraft mishap investigations, and other critical operational functions. Training will include CONUS TDYs to support Air Force, Army, and Navy units as well as OCONUS TDYs to support US and Partner Force Assessments. Graduates provide direct support to special operation forces (SOF) and are integrated into elite units in line-funded billets.

 

Fellowship training includes ethical and legal practices in combat operations, special duty assessment and selection, aviation psychology, SERE psychology, and command consultation. Original research and participation in university-based operational training are required educational activities. Skills and knowledge gained are essential for success in jobs within special operations units and at the SERE school. These jobs require direct support to operational commanders, operators and missions. AFSOCOPF fellows also gain capability in the integration of operational and healthcare perspectives. This capability increases quality of care and enhances the credibility of mental health services within the operational community. New psychology authorizations were recently added to SOF organizations. These positions would be ideally filled with fellowship grads.