Arnold Air Society

Jacob has gotten very involved in the Arnold Air Society - which is a separate organization from Air Force ROTC.  Both are time consuming and challenging - but Air Society more so.  It is grueling.  Jacob is so busy with this military training - he has had last minute meetings, unplanned PT, field training from 2am until 7am, and lots of drilling and saluting and memorizing.  

Yesterday he came home for his first home-cooked meal in a month, and so we made steak and mashed potatoes.  The steak was hot and juicy and the potatoes were dripping with butter, the salad was dressed, and Jacob was literally about to get his plate and sit down when the phone rang.  He said "I gotta go!" and had to go straight back to campus for an unplanned meeting. The worst part for me was that he was hungry and hadn't eaten dinner and we had no idea how long he would have to meet or drill or whatever! Guess its par for the course for military cadets.

Anyway - below is the only information I could find on the Arnold Air Society - which is somewhat secretive - and it is written by someone who completed the program.

The Candidate Training

There is no real easy way to explain candidate training, and to explain it in full detail would be impossible, because some of the information is secret. What I can tell you, though, is it's worth every painful second of time. Candidate training days were held Saturday mornings for 11 weeks, sometimes as early as 3:00 in the morning. We went on covert operations, practiced drill and ceremonies and were put into wartime situations that were designed to build teamwork under the most stressful situations. All this coupled with PT (Physical Training) sessions, weekly quizzes and the task of getting all 60 of the Active member's signatures made the selection process very difficult. The only way to find out what it's really about is to experience it for yourself, I guarentee it will change your life. The one thing I wish people would realize is that this is not a fraternity, and there is no hazing that takes place. This is an honorary military society and all initiation phases are conducted in a military manner.