One of Twelve: Minot Captain Chosen for ISOS Published Sept. 16, 2015 By Senior Airman Apryl Hall Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- As one of only twelve captains in the Air Force chosen, Capt. Elias Corcho, 741st Missile Squadron missile combat crew commander instructor, was recently selected to attend the International Squadron Officer School at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Only offered to fluent Spanish-speaking Air Force captains, ISOS follows the same outline as regular Squadron Officer School, but has a few major differences. "It pretty much mirrors the same SOS that is taught at Maxwell Air Force Base, but it is translated into Spanish," said Corcho, the Barranquilla, Colombia native. "The program is very competitive, very selective. Twelve of us get to go down to Lackland and meet with other captains from Latin American countries that are doing the same course." Corcho pursued ISOS to increase his probability of filling a Regional Affairs Specialists job in the future, he said. Doing so would allow him to work hand-in-hand with Latin American military members abroad, something he hopes the course will prepare him for. "It's a very unique opportunity to do a course in my native launguage," Corcho said. "I get to meet other leaders so it enhances my professional development. It teaches leadership, managerial skills and the fundamentals of air power. All that will help me be a better leader in the future." After meeting all the criteria to apply, Corcho then had to have recommendations from his squadron and wing leadership, followed by an interview in Spanish to gauge his proficiency in the language. After a month-long wait, Corcho got the call from his commander, informing him of his selection. "It's exciting!" Corcho said. "I remained humble throughout the whole process, hoping that I was going to get looked at and get an interview. A lot of people apply for this so I feel lucky for sure, being one of only twelve captains chosen." Although the purpose of the course is to enhance his professional career and leadership skills, Corcho knows this opportunity is bigger than only bettering himself, he said. "It's a great responsibility," Corcho said. "I want to make sure that I'm representing not only the squadron and wing, but the Air Force as a host nation. I'm just really looking forward to going down there and completing the course." Corcho remains focused and ready, he said, hoping the completion of the highly-competitive course opens up doors and helps him reach his long-term goal of filling a RAS billet. In the meantime, Corcho will not lose sight of who he is and what got him here. "Day-to-day I'm going to continue to do my job like I normally do," Corcho said. "This will hopefully align my goals and I'll apply and see where it takes me. If not, then I'll continue to do great things in my career field."