The American Legion is a veterans organization committed to mutual helpfulness. Many veterans have questions about membership, including eligibility, dues, and how to manage their membership. This guide answers frequently asked questions about The American Legion to provide clarity and comprehensive information for prospective and current members.
Eligibility for Membership
The first question many veterans have is about their eligibility for The American Legion. Here are some common eligibility questions and answers:
Qualifying Dates
Q: What are the eligibility dates for membership in The American Legion?
A: As a result of the LEGION Act, the eligibility period is from December 7, 1941, to the present. This encompasses World War II and all subsequent war campaigns. The Legion Act significantly broadened eligibility by including previously unrecognized periods of conflict.
Active Duty Status
Q: I’m currently on active duty. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, all current active-duty military personnel are eligible for membership, as they are considered veterans.
Minimum Service Requirement
Q: I didn’t retire from the military but was on active duty during one of the qualifying time periods. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, you are eligible as long as you served at least one day of federal active duty during a qualifying period.
Combat Zone Requirement
Q: I served during one of the qualifying periods but was never in a combat zone. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, location of active-duty service is not a factor for membership eligibility.
National Guard and Reserve
Q: I’m currently in the National Guard/Reserve. My unit was activated under Title 10 orders during a qualifying time period. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, Title 10 orders are federal orders issued by the Secretary of Defense, making you eligible.
Q: My National Guard unit was activated for crowd control under Title 32 orders during one of the qualifying periods. Am I eligible?
A: No, Title 32 orders are issued under a governor’s authority, and therefore, do not qualify for membership.
Military Academies
Q: I’m currently a cadet at one of the U.S. Military Academies. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, service in the military academies has been considered eligible for membership since World War II.
Types of Membership
Q: Can I be an honorary or social member of The American Legion?
A: No, the American Legion National Constitution and By-laws only authorize regular active or paid-up-for-life memberships.
Active Duty for Training
Q: I served my entire military career in the National Guard/Reserves and only have a DD214 from my Active Duty for Training during one of the qualifying dates. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, since the mid-1960s, all basic training and occupational training schools have been considered federal active duty service.
Allied Military Forces
Q: I served with allied military forces during one of the qualifying periods. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, you are eligible if you were a U.S. citizen at the time of entry into the allied military.
Civilian Service
Q: I served with the Civil Air Patrol/Civilian Technical Corps/USPHS as a civilian during two qualifying periods. Am I eligible?
A: No, eligible members must have federal military service during a qualifying period and received an honorable discharge or discharge under honorable conditions.
Uncharacterized Discharge
Q: I enlisted and went to basic training but received an uncharacterized discharge due to a medical condition. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, uncharacterized discharges for medical reasons are generally considered to be under honorable conditions unless stated otherwise. Other types of uncharacterized discharges require review by American Legion National Headquarters.
Obtaining a DD214
Q: I’m eligible for American Legion membership, but I do not have a copy of my DD214 to show as proof of eligibility. How can I get one?
A: You can request a copy of your discharge papers from archives.gov/veterans. Alternatively, orders placing you on federal active duty can also serve as proof of eligibility.
General Membership Questions
Besides eligibility, veterans also have questions about the practical aspects of becoming and remaining a member.
Annual Dues
Q: How much are American Legion annual membership dues?
A: Dues vary by post. New members joining through National Headquarters are placed in the Department (State) Headquarters Post with a special introductory rate. The approximate national dues average is $40 annually. Visit legion.org/posts to find the dues rate for posts in your area.
Member ID
Q: Where can I find my member ID number?
A: Your permanent 9-digit Member ID number is on your membership card and the first 9 digits above your name on American Legion Magazine labels (starting with 1, 2, or 3). Contact Customer Service at (800) 433-3318 for assistance.
Address Changes
Q: Can I submit an address change online?
A: Yes, you can change your address and other information at MyLegion.org. You can also call (800) 433-3318 or email [email protected]. Members moving to a foreign address should email their address changes.
Magazine Delivery
Q: I submitted an address change a month ago but my latest issue of the magazine went to the old address. What happened?
A: Magazine mailing preparation begins about six weeks in advance. The USPS will forward your magazines if you have notified them of your move.
Membership Card
Q: I belong to a local post and renewed my membership online. When will I get my membership card?
A: National Headquarters updates records within 24 to 48 hours. Your post adjutant receives notification, and your membership card will be forwarded to you. You can also print a card through your MyLegion.org account.
Online Applications
Q: I received a membership invitation in the mail, and it says I can also join online at a special website shown on the application. If I join online, will I still get my membership card and the free gift mentioned in the letter?
A: Yes, you will receive your membership card and any free gifts approximately 4-6 weeks after submitting your application online.
Direct Mailing Solicitation (DMS)
Q: Why not include Direct Mailing Solicitation (DMS) in membership and all award calculations?
A: The award system emphasizes rewarding volunteers. DMS is a tool for increasing membership or replacing attrition. DMS members are counted towards the department’s delegate strength and membership goals.
Local Post Assignment
Q: If I join online or submit a membership application to National Headquarters, will I belong to a local post?
A: Initially, your membership will be assigned to the department (state) headquarters (HQ) post, which is an administrative post. It is recommended that you visit and transfer to a local post.
Transferring Membership
Q: How do I transfer my membership to another post?
A: Visit the post you wish to join, speak with an officer, provide your member ID, and show a copy of your DD214. The post will submit the necessary paperwork.
Years of Membership
Q: Why doesn’t my membership card reflect the total number of years I’ve been a member?
A: The annual card reflects continuous years of membership. If you miss a year of dues, your continuous years start over. Contact your post adjutant if you believe there is an error.
Post Rental
Q: How much does it cost to rent a post for a special event, like a birthday or reception?
A: Contact the post you are interested in renting. Each post manages its own business affairs.
Membership Expiration
Q: When does my membership expire?
A: Your membership expires on December 31 of the paid year shown on your card. Dues are accepted starting July 1 for the upcoming year, with a goal of renewal by January 1. Members become delinquent if dues are not paid by January 1, suspended on February 1, and dropped from the rolls on June 30.
Renewal Notices
Q: I paid my dues a while ago, so why did I get another renewal notice?
A: Renewal notices are based on records at the time of printing. Your payment and the notice may have crossed in the mail. Contact your post adjutant to verify the status of your renewal payment if you paid well in advance of the “as of” date on the notice.
Conclusion
Understanding the eligibility requirements and membership processes of The American Legion can help more veterans get involved and benefit from the organization’s programs and community. If you meet the eligibility criteria, consider joining a local post to connect with fellow veterans and support your community.
