Order of the Sword and Shield
The Order of the Sword and Shield (OSS), Omicron Sigma Sigma Academic and Professional Honor Society at the American Samoa Community College is now one of over 90 active chapters nationwide representing:
Cyber and Information Security;
Emergency Medical Services;
Emergency Management;
Homeland Security;
Intelligence;
Public Safety, and more!
Learn more about OSS here.
Applications for Spring 2025 is closed. Please return when Applications for Fall 2025 are open.
A one-time $75 fee will be applied for a lifetime membership with benefits such as:
access to financial scholarships, awards, and grants;
public recognition as a high-achieving individual in your discipline;
networking opportunities with other OSS members across the nation;
development opportunities in key skills in organization/chapter-sponsored activities and more!
Contact Rosalee Shoulders at pacific.atamai@amsamoa.edu or 699-2722 ext. 4210 for more information or to inquire if your program or profession is eligible.
List of active members coming soon.
History of the Order of the Sword and Shield
The Order of the Sword and Shield, the Greek name Omicron Sigma Sigma, is a unique honor society focusing on safety and security, including homeland security, intelligence, emergency management, criminal justice, and cybersecurity.
The OSS mission is to encourage critical thinking and high academic achievement while promoting ethical standards in these important professions. The Society aims to help communities prepare for emergencies and personal safety challenges while hosting various informative events annually.
Founded in 2010 at St. John's University in New York, the Society welcomed its first members in 2011 and continues to induct new members yearly. The current leader, Associate Professor Jeffrey P. Grossmann, is dedicated to overseeing the Society's operations. He has expressed a vision for the Society to be a top resource for recognizing academic success in security and emergency management.
The Society is founded on four fundamental core values: excellence, knowledge, ethics, and peace. These values form the bedrock of the Society's mission, shaping OSS's vision for a community that prioritizes learning and ethical conduct. The motto of the OSS, "ex scientia pax," translates to "out of Knowledge comes peace," emphasizing the belief that proper understanding fosters harmony within Society.
This philosophy underscores the importance of academic and practical knowledge in cultivating safety, security, and tranquility within all communities. By encouraging rigorous scholarship and committed engagement in these areas, the Society honors the dedication of individuals who aspire to achieve professional excellence and ethical integrity. Through their endeavors, they contribute to a more knowledgeable and peaceful world, aligning with OSS's mission to enhance the welfare of the community at large.
The Society was established for two key reasons. First, it was known that some honor organizations have included homeland security as a secondary focus but were not specifically created for it. This left a gap in representing OSS's unique interests comprehensively. The Order of the Sword and Shield was designed to fill that gap and solely focus on the various aspects of security.
Second, OSS wanted to provide a way for outstanding students to come together to celebrate their academic achievements while giving back to the community. Service is a fundamental aspect of the OSS organization, and all members are encouraged to participate in community service activities. OSS's specific focus on service and academic excellence is crucial for making our field a respected profession and a legitimate study area.
The Order of the Sword and Shield is a distinctive platform that recognizes academic excellence among students and embraces professionals within safety and security as members. This unique approach enhances the Society's mission by fostering collaboration between emerging talents and established experts, creating a rich environment for knowledge sharing and mentorship. By uniting students and professionals dedicated to the core values of excellence, ethics, knowledge, and peace, OSS honors individual achievements and drives meaningful contributions to community safety and resilience. This collective effort enriches the Society's impact, ensuring a brighter future for the professionals involved and the communities they serve.
Ex Scientia Pax - "Out of Knowledge comes Peace"