Becoming a Member

If you are on active duty today, anywhere in the world, or have served during any eligible war era, or if you have served one active day of duty since December 7, 1941, you are eligible to become a member of the American Legion.

You've probably heard of The American Legion. We're veterans just like you, nearly 3 million strong, who care about America, veterans and their families and our nation's youth. The Legion is a powerful voice in Washington dedicated to preserving the rights we've all earned - and were promised - by service to our nation in uniform.

The American Legion is America's largest veteran’s organization. We're fighting for higher active duty pay, future retired COLAs, better military housing, assistance for veterans in finding jobs, and a superior health care system proposed by the Legion called the GI Bill of Health which you - and your family - can continue to use after separation or retirement.

I invite you to join us now. Membership brings an impressive array of benefits. The American Legion is always there for you and your family - in Washington and nearly 15,000 local posts throughout America and abroad.
Just like you, we're "Still Serving America!"

Phil Yasson, Membership Chairman

Membership Eligibility Information

If you have served federal active duty in the United States Armed Forces since December 7, 1941, and have been honorably discharged or are still serving - you are eligible for membership in The American Legion!

*Because eligibility dates remain open, all active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to join The American Legion at this time, until the date of the end of hostilities as determined by the government of the United States.

**U.S. Merchant Marine eligible only from December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946 (WWII).

Member Benefits

Free Subscription to The American Legion Magazine
Our nation's leaders speak directly to citizens on the pages of The American Legion Magazine. The American Legion's organizational goals are promoted using the words of talented writers, professional journalists, and world leaders.
Benefits Assistance
The American Legion offers expert advice, support and representation for veterans and families seeking government benefits they are eligible to receive at the federal, state and local levels.
Career Assistance
Hundreds of job fairs and career events every year, all across the map, are coordinated, sponsored, promoted or produced by The American Legion. American Legion business workshops also help veterans and their families pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
Comfort for the Recovering
Operation Comfort Warriors helps active-duty military personnel and newly discharged veterans recover and adjust to lifestyle changes.
Education Assistance
The American Legion conducts student-veteran roundtables, networks with Student Veterans of America as well as college campuses, and works with agencies to better apply military experience toward professional and vocational licenses and certification credits.
Family and Community Support
Cash grants and volunteer aid are among the ways The American Legion reaches out to families of military servicemembers and veterans during times of financial difficulty, short-handedness at home or natural disaster.
Financial Services
The American Legion and USAA, two organizations driven by the same values for nearly a century, are allied through a “preferred provider” relationship that connects Legionnaires with the best advice and service in banking, insurance and personal finance.
Homeless Veteran Outreach
The American Legion offers hundreds of opportunities for homeless veterans across the country, including temporary housing, mentoring and job training.
Honor and Remembrance
American Legion honor guards provide official services at thousands of veteran funerals around the world each year. The Legion is also a leader at every level in the establishment and maintenance of memorials and monuments that honor military sacrifice.
Member Discounts
The American Legion offers members and their families practical, money-saving discounts that can easily save many times the cost of annual membership dues.
Advocacy in Washington
The American Legion is the nation's most influential, effective and dependable advocate of veteran affairs fighting for better active-duty pay, improved housing for active-duty families and helping to ensure that the VA's medical system can properly care for veterans.
Volunteer Opportunities
The American Legion offers volunteer opportunities that fulfill needs in local communities throughout the country and beyond. The Legion and the Sons of The American Legion provide millions of hours of free community service, assistance at VA medical facilities and help at military installations each year.

How to Apply for Membership