If you have served federal active duty in the armed forces during any of the war eras listed below, and have been honorably discharged or are still serving you are eligible for membership in The American Legion! You do not have to have served any of that time overseas or in a combat area. The eligibility requirements are the same for women as they are for men. Dues are currently $35 per year

*Because eligibility dates remain open, all 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.

Specific information for National Guard & Reserves**

Not Eligible: Two-Week National Guard Duty/ANNUAL TRAINING - Training periods in the National Guard, usually of two weeks duration, or other periods of service with the National Guard do not meet eligibility requirements UNLESS the Guard unit was federalized and the individual's separation papers record a period of active duty in the military forces of the United States during one of the above dates. (Authority line on activation orders: Title 32 and Title 10, Subsection 270 are NOT eligible).

Eligible. National Guard & RESERVES: Same eligibility requirements as full time federal active veterans. To be eligible, the National Guardsman/Reservist must have served at least one day on federal active duty during any of the delimiting periods, and either have an honorable discharge or currently be serving in either the Guard/Reserve or federal active duty. To determine if a Guardsman/Reservist has been on federal active duty, the Authority Line on the activation orders will be Title 10, Subsection 672 or 12301 (Secretary of Defense, federal orders). Title 32 orders are NOT federal orders and do not qualify you for membership. A DD-214 will be issued for the time on federal active duty or a DA-1059 for a completion of a school.

OTHER: Please check with the Post/County or Department Adjutant for other eligible Service.

** From The American Legion Officers Guide, Rev. February 1998, pg. 4-29.

If you apply for membership and are told you do not qualify and you believe you do according to the above guidelines, please contact the Department of MA, Judge Advocate.

Reasons to Join The American Legion,

The World's Largest Veterans Organization.

"It is not the price you pay to belong, but the price you paid to be eligible to belong."

Your membership entitles you to:

A subscription to The American Legion Magazine, with updates on the status of legislation that directly affects all veterans, reunion information, monthly interviews with key government officials, occasional accounts of real life experiences during the war years and MUCH more!

The American Legion Member Benefit Plan. Substantial discounts for motel/rental cars, eye care plans, discount prescriptions program.

The American Legion Membership Card, which gives members access to nearly 15,000 Legion Posts worldwide and guarantees that you will always have a friend nearby.

American Legion Life Insurance Plan.

The American Legion provides for our veterans and their families through the following programs: