​​Order of the Sword & Shield

The Academic and Professional Honor Society

for all Homeland Security Disciplines

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Ex Scientia Pax - "Out of Knowledge comes Peace"

​​​​The Order of the Sword & Shield is open to any professional who has demonstrated significant achievement in a Homeland Security, Intelligence, Emergency Management, or security-related occupation. Some examples of significant achievement include (this is not a complete listing):

• Obtained Leadership Position
  
• Obtained Leadership Rank
  
• Professional Society Affiliation
  
• Professional Society Distinction
  
• Obtained an Advanced Degree
  
• Created Organizational Policy
  
• Published Articles or Books
  
• Industry Award Recipient
  
• Court Appointed Expert Witness
  
• Committee Participation (Industry)
  
• Proven Subject-Matter Expert
  
• Guest Speaker or Panel Discussant 
• Significant Community Service
  
• Newspaper, TV, or media interviews
  
• Awards and Citations
  
• Other

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Please note that the above referenced list is intended as a guide and not a set of requirements. Professional Membership will be granted on a case by case basis, taking into consideration all of the applicant’s personal achievements. The applicant’s achievements may include some, none, or all of the aforementioned examples.

The following criteria MUST be satisfied at the time of induction:

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Items needed to submit an electronic Professional Induction Application:

1.  A personal letter of interest stating your accomplishments, qualifications, and desire to join the Order.

2.  A letter of recommendation from a person who can attest to your professional achievements and standing.

3.  Your resume or curriculum vitae.

Once all supporting material has been gathered, you can start the application process.

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​​Complete your online membership application and upload all required supporting documentation through the Society's official application portal. There is a one-time application fee of $75, which covers lifetime membership upon approval. Once your completed application and payment have been received, the National Office will begin its review process, which may take several months, particularly during our busiest induction periods. You will receive acknowledgment of your application submission, and the National Office will contact you if additional information or supporting materials are required. Due to the volume of applications under review, we cannot provide individual application status updates. Should your application be denied, your application fee will be refunded in full.

Applicants applying independently of an established professional chapter of the Order of the Sword & Shield National Honor Society (OSSNHS) will, upon approval, be inducted into the Society's National Chapter. Applicants affiliated with organizations that maintain an official OSSNHS professional chapter may be inducted through their organizational chapter, subject to the chapter's eligibility requirements. Please consult the Society's list of professional chapters to determine whether your organization maintains an established chapter. Organizations interested in establishing a new chapter are encouraged to contact the National Office for additional information.

All professional membership applications and supporting documentation must be submitted electronically through the official OSSNHS application portal. Mailed applications and supporting materials are no longer accepted.

Email and Social Media Communications

The Order of the Sword & Shield National Honor Society uses email and social media, particularly LinkedIn, as its primary methods of communicating with applicants and members. These channels are used to share official Society announcements, membership information and materials, chapter news, professional development opportunities, membership benefits, and other matters related to the Society's mission and activities.

By submitting a membership application, applicants acknowledge and agree to receive periodic electronic communications from OSSNHS throughout their lifetime membership. These communications may include information about membership services, Society activities, professional opportunities, organizational developments, and other information relevant to OSSNHS and its members.

A valid and accessible email address is required for all membership applications. Applicants and members are responsible for providing accurate contact information and keeping their email address current to ensure the timely receipt of official membership correspondence and materials. Members may unsubscribe from optional Society email announcements at any time using the unsubscribe link provided in those communications. Unsubscribing from optional communications does not affect an individual's lifetime membership status or prevent the Society from sending essential administrative correspondence directly related to that membership.

Members are also encouraged to follow the Society's official LinkedIn page for additional news, announcements, professional opportunities, and organizational updates.

Important

Due to heavy application volume and the extensive review process associated with professional membership applications, we cannot provide individual application status updates. You will be contacted if additional documentation or information is required during the review process.

For additional information or questions regarding the professional membership application process, please contact the National Office at membership@ossnhs.com.

No applicant shall be denied membership because of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

1.   At least 5 years full-time work experience within the Homeland Security, Intelligence, Emergency Management or any Protective Security Sector; and

2.   A proven commitment to the protection of people, information, assets, or the community at large; and

3.   An affirmation to abide by all laws, restrictions, regulations, rules, and requirements of the United States of America and its Constitution; and

 
4.   Submit all required information, supporting documents with references, and appropriate fees.

​You will be notified of your final status. All persons who are accepted will receive an Honor Society Induction Certificate and Membership Card and be entitled to all benefits bestowed upon active members.

Professional Eligibility and Application for Induction