Eligible candidates for membership must submit an application for membership along with a copy of their Form DD214 showing that they served during a war period. This can be done through the American Legion website at legion.org or by way of a local post such as Williams-Napier Post 40 (a list of which you can also find at their website.)
Members must also pay annual dues of $25.
If you did not serve during one of the eligible war periods but are male and have a parent or grandparent who did, you are eligible to join the Sons of the American Legion in Ringgold, Georgia, which offers many of the same supportive programs and benefits.
ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION FOR AMERICAN LEGION MEMBERSHIP
If you have served federal active duty in the United States 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!
- August 2, 1990 to today* (Operation Desert Shield/Storm)
- December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990 (Operation Just Cause – Panama)
- August 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984 (Lebanon/Grenada)
- February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975 (Vietnam)
- June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955 (Korea)
- December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946 (World War II)
- April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918 (World War I)
*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.
U.S. Merchant Marine eligible only from December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946 (WWII).
The American Legion’s success depends entirely on active membership, participation, and volunteerism. The organization belongs to the people it serves and the communities in which it thrives.
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