Some believed the Canal Zone assignment was a punishment for his actions at North Island—an “exile” for Arnold. This is not reflected in the record. In fact, he was given the added responsibility for locating and establishing the base for the yet-to-be-formed and only partially equipped unit, one of only seven aero squadrons in the U.S. Army. Additionally, he was to be on the commanding general’s staff for the entire Canal Zone, and his aviation command was expected to grow from one to three squadrons during his tour of duty.18 This type of command assignment would not have been given to an untrusted or negligent officer in the Army of 1917.