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International Health Specialist program: Celebrating 25 years of Global Health Engagement

Air Force Medical Service

April 15, 2026 | 8:17

The U.S. Air Force leverages International Health Operations as a critical enabler of Airpower, stability, and security. Our mission is to develop agile, joint-ready International Health Specialists skilled in planning, executing, and leading medical engagements that shape the security environment, strengthen alliances, and protect the health of U.S. and partner nation forces. This is achieved through three core functions:

Partner: IHS personnel, leveraging strategic cultural and language-capable skills, act as force multipliers in support of Combatant Commands. Their expertise in military and civilian health disciplines builds strong, lasting relationships with Allies and partner nations, fostering trust and cooperation essential to shared goals in medical readiness, security cooperation, and global health initiatives.

Advise: IHS personnel serve as full-time advisors within Combatant Commands, Major Commands, and Air Force Component Commands, providing subject matter expertise based on their deep understanding of global health, regional geopolitics, and cultural nuances. Their knowledge informs effective strategy planning and execution of medical engagements, shaping the security environment and advancing U.S. interests.

Engage: IHS personnel draw on experience from diverse global environments to enhance medical readiness, interoperability, and security cooperation. Through health diplomacy, they fortify alliances, build partner capacity, and create opportunities for collaborative responses to crises, safeguarding the strength of both U.S. and partner nation forces. (Courtesy video)