When Rob Otto graduated from the University of Iowa's Master of Social Work (MSW) program in 2014, he had a clear vision: to help veterans navigate life's challenges. Today, he's living that mission on an international scale as Integrated Prevention Chief for the U.S. Air Force at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany.
Otto's role puts him at the forefront of military mental health innovation. As second-in-command of the base's Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce, he oversees programs designed to build resilience before problems occur.
"It's prevention-focused work across mental health, physical wellness, and spiritual dimensions,” Otto explains.
His team serves a wide-ranging population: active-duty military members, civilian employees, military families, and even German nationals working on base. The scope of their work is equally broad, encompassing suicide prevention, violence prevention programs, and the Defense Organizational Climate Survey that measures unit health across the base.
What makes Otto's position unique is his direct line to base leadership. "We serve as subject matter experts," he says. "When we identify problems through our assessments, leadership takes our recommendations seriously because everything we suggest is evidence-based."
Iowa lessons in leadership
This approach reflects skills he developed during his Iowa MSW experience, particularly in research methods courses that he credits as highly influential.
Otto'o leadership journey began during his MSW experience in Iowa City, where he completed both foundational and advanced practicums at the Iowa City VA Outpatient Mental Health Clinic.
"That's where I really learned how to be a therapist," he recalls.
The hands-on experience proved invaluable—he was hired by the VA immediately after graduation and spent the next 11 years there, becoming certified in EMDR and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) while specializing in trauma treatment. Over time, Otto also became certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), an area that grew into an unexpected passion.
The transition from clinical work to prevention and leadership wasn't accidental. Otto's military background—he served as an Air Force officer before pursuing social work—uniquely positioned him to understand both sides of military culture.
"Having been in the military before, I understand the federal system and military mindset," he explains. "It's been important for navigating this role."
What sets Otto's current work apart is its comprehensive, community-wide approach. Beyond individual interventions, his team teaches leadership courses when climate surveys reveal toxic workplace dynamics, provides healthy sleep presentations, and chairs multidisciplinary Community Action Teams that bring together various helping agencies on base.
Foundation for success
Otto credits his time in the MSW program with providing more than just clinical skills.
"My cohort was amazing—we all had different life experiences, and we worked incredibly well together," he says. "The instructors created an environment where we could respectfully debate and disagree while still supporting each other."
That collaborative spirit now serves him well in Germany, where he's not only serving military families, but learning German and immersing himself in European culture.
"This job has given me opportunities I never imagined," Otto reflects. "Social work is a career I love that allows me to make a real difference."