Arnold Air Society The Arnold Air Society ( AAS ) is a professional , honorary , service organization advocating the support of aerospace power . AAS is open to officer candidates in Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps ( AFROTC ) and at the United States Air Force Academy ( USAFA ) , and is formally affiliated with the Air Force Association ( AFA ) . In addition to AFROTC or Academy commitments , AAS members must complete candidate training , attend meetings , and contribute to their respective Squadrons and ROTC detachments . Doing so enhances the officer candidate experience of cadets as well as builds stronger leadership , organizational , and professional skills . History . Arnold Air Society was first proposed as an idea for an extracurricular organization by ROTC cadets at the University of Cincinnati in the summer of 1947 . After having their idea approved by active members of the Air Force , the cadets wrote a constitution for their new , honorary society . They called it the “ Arnold Society of Air Cadets ” in honor of General Henry “ Hap ” Arnold , the only 5 - Star General of the Air Force . Since its inception , Arnold Air Society grew quickly . It focused on high morals , physical fitness , and a positive attitude toward the Society and its goals . Since it is the mission of ROTC and the Air Force Academy to produce leaders , AAS enhances that mission by building these values into cadets early on , and ensuring that they maintain these standards . Arnold Air Society was officially recognized by the Air Force in April 1948 . It was then the goal of the Society to recruit and build more Squadrons to make the Society bigger . Within the next year , an additional twenty squadrons were formed across the country . Another important concept of Arnold Air Society was the National Conclave . The National Conclave ( NATCON ) is held annually to review the policies and procedures of the Society . The first NATCON was held at the University of Cincinnati in 1950 . At this time , all Squadrons from around the nation can gather to vote on new leadership for the upcoming year as well . The first Honorary Sponsor of Arnold Air Society was Mrs . Eleanor Arnold . General James Doolittle was chosen to be the Honorary Commander following General Henry Arnold ’ s death in 1950 . Following the first National Conclave , the Society ’ s official name became Arnold Air Society , a deviation from the original title . Following the second National Conclave , AAS became officially affiliated with the Air Force Association , and at the fourth and fifth NATCONs , it was proposed that the organizational structure of the Society be changed . After the first few years of existence , the Executive Board was formed , which would be responsible for national leadership and organization . The Executive Board makes decisions that are vital to the structure and success of Arnold Air Society as a whole . In its early stages , many of the primary awards and policies were founded which are still in practice today . Membership . Entry Requirements . Each prospective member for Arnold Air Society must be a member of a local AFROTC detachment and at least meet those academic and physical standards . If these criteria are met , then the individual can enter the Candidate Training Program . During the six to eleven week training program ( at individual squadrons ' discretion ) , the candidate must attend at least 90 % of all candidate activities . Also , the candidate class must complete at least one service project that benefits their detachment , university campus , or their community . In addition , candidates must gain the signatures of all of the active members of their squadron , unless otherwise stated by the squadron commander . The candidate class is highly encouraged to attend at least one of the squadron ’ s active members meeting . In addition to the physical and military standards that all candidates are expected to reach , there are also academic standards . The candidate must take a National Test at the conclusion of their candidate training program . The candidate must pass the test with a score of at least 80 % . Many squadrons have a final training event that varies from hours to days as the culmination of the candidate class ' training thus far . This event goes by many different names ; however , the most popular title is the Extended Training Exercise ( ETE ) . This event is usually extremely difficult physically and mentally . The bonds and relationships between the candidates in their respective classes have been tested and forged throughout the six to twelve weeks of training . ETE will test these bonds and promote the skills of teamwork and leadership in a practical manner . Objectives and Goals . Arnold Air Society has interrelated objectives which serve to enhance the AFROTC and USAFA commissioning programs and project the USAF image on campus and in the community : Likewise , AAS has three goals : Organization Structure . The nation has been broken into eleven numbered areas ( I though XI ) , which in turn are composed of squadrons . National Headquarters is chosen yearly by the National Conclave , and may not be hosted by the squadron for more than two consecutive years . National HQ is led by the AAS National Commander , an AAS C / Brig Gen . The recommended national staff is as follows , with the Vice Commander holding the position of AAS C / Col and all other staff AAS C / Lt Col . The area staff typically consists of the same positions as national staff . The commander is an AAS C / Col , vice commander an AAS C / Lt Col , and other staff members are AAS C / Maj ' s . Area HQ is chosen annually at the Area Conclave and changes at NATCON . Squadron positions are similar to their area counterparts , and are elected by squadron members IAW squadron by - laws . The commander is an AAS C / Maj , Deputy Commander an AAS C / Capt , and other staff members AAS C / 1st Lt ' s . Note : Individual squadrons have different combinations of CTOs and DTs for their training program . Note : A squadron should also have a CSCOP - Chapter / Squadron Chief of Protocol that monitors and enforces the rules and regulations within Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings . The CSCOP is a Joint Position and may be held by either a AAS Member or a SW Member . This position is outside of the normal Squadron Chain of Command . According to Joint Protocol Manual 1 ( JPM - 1 ) - 2009 the Chapter Squadron Chief of Protocol , if in AAS , holds the rank of AAS C / Capt .