The Early History of Arnold Air Society

A dramatic growth characterized the Arnold Air Society from its obscure beginning in the spring and summer of 1947. It tended to prove the ideals on which this organization was founded–namely, high moral, physical, and mental attitudes. These aims were molded in the formation of the society to help train future Air Force leaders.

At summer camp in 1947, a group of AFROTC cadets from Cincinnati, Ohio discussed the possibility of an honorary society and presented their idea to Captain Nolkamper. A committee of cadets was formed to write a constitution and to find a name. The name chosen in an unanimous decision was made to honor General H. H. Arnold, one of the greatest leaders in aviation history. The permission to use his name was granted in December of 1947, with the provision that the society begin on a local basis at the University of Cincinnati, with expansion of a spontaneous nature.

In April of 1948, the United States Air Force officially recognized the society. Shortly thereafter, the society became a project of the Air Defense Command, whose duty it was to see that the local group became nationalized. In September of 1948, the Air Defense Command sent copies of the society’s constitution to all universities and colleges throughout the nation, with the hope of forming similar organizations. Within the next year, twenty new squadrons were formed.

Many new ideas came about in the early 1950s, one of these being the National Conclave. The conclave is used as a central means of determining the policies of the society. At the first National Conclave, at the University of Cincinnati, Mrs. H. H. Arnold was named Honorary Sponsor. That same year, the society officially became the “Arnold Air Society.”

The Second National Conclave resulted in the society’s affiliation with the Air Force Association. The Second National Conclave also initiated the establishment of the National Publications Headquarters and the Arnold Memorial Scholarship.

At the Fourth and Fifth National Conclaves, a reconstruction of the organizational structure of the society was proposed. This resulted in the formation of the Board of Directors, consisting of the National Commander and all the Area Commanders. At succeeding conclaves, more awards and policies were initiated, such as the formation of Angel Flight, and the Arnold Air Society-Link Foundation Awards for graduate work.

The Mission of the Arnold Air Society

While Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings are separate organizations, our strong partnership is based on highly complementary missions. The focus of the Arnold Air Society mission is to build strong officers for the United States Air Force. Silver Wings also focuses on leadership development, and both organizations work together to further each others’ goals.

The Arnold Air Society is a professional, honorary service organization advocating the support of aerospace power. The “service” aspect is perhaps the foremost in the mind of many members, because of the society’s continuing contributions to our campuses, our communities, and our corps–but it should always be remembered that our primary mission is to improve ourselves as future Air Force officers.

The following three objectives were adopted by AAS to enhance the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) and the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), and to project the image of the United States Air Force on the university campus and in the surrounding community.

First Objective:

To create a more efficient relationship among Air Force officer candidates, in particular within the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps.

Function of the First Objective:

To provide opportunities for a greater interaction among collegiate level Air Force officer candidates and to encourage increased communication with Air Force officers and leaders in national defense, government, and industry.

Second Objective:

To aid in the development of effective Air Force officers.

Function of the Second Objective:

To provide more opportunities for Air Force officer candidates to exercise leadership, management, organizational, and public relations skills.

Third Objective:

To further the purpose, traditions, and concepts of the United States Air Force.

Function of the Third Objective:

To provide opportunities for officer candidates to participate in campus and community service activities, demonstrating the close relationship between civilian and military institutions.

Arnold Air Society

In recognition of the ideals of General Arnold, and to remind all AAS members of the ideals and mission of the Arnold Air Society, the following symbols were adopted:

Colors The colors of Arnold Air Society are red, white, blue, and gold.

Motto “The warrior who cultivates his mind, polishes his arms.” Duc de Boufflers

Symbol The symbol of the Arnold Air Society is a pair of gold wings set to either side of a white star containing a red ball. The wings are set above two blue wreaths, bearing the inscription “Arnold Air Society.” The gold wings signify courage; the white star signifies purity; the red ball stands for the blood shed by American fighting men; the blue symbolizes the sky.

Flower The official flower of the Arnold Air Society is the Crimson Glory Rose.