Aeromedical officer training for mental health professionals leads to better outcomes for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps flight personnel.

Abstract

This study examines whether aeromedical officer (AMO) training enhances outcomes for Navy and Marine Corps aviation personnel. The conceptual approach of this research is grounded in the literature on the importance of cultural competence in military mental health services; thus, this study hypothesizes that AMO-trained providers yield better outcomes than nontrained providers. Utilizing a sample of 501 waiver requests for personnel diagnosed with mental health conditions, we compared waiver approval rates and career impacts between those evaluated by AMO-trained and nontrained providers. Results from a binary logic regression indicated that individuals assessed by AMO-trained providers were 2.1 times more likely to be granted waivers, thus reducing the chance of career disruption, as well as reducing operational costs and loss of mission-ready personnel. Additionally, AMOs facilitated a more seamless waiver process, avoiding unnecessary delays in obtaining a waiver. Findings suggest that AMO training significantly improves service delivery by enhancing providers' cultural competence, leading to more favorable outcomes for both individuals and commands, underscoring the need for specialized training in mental health services. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).