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Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Discover the perfect volunteer opportunities tailored to your interests. The American Legion passionately backs its community through a myriad of avenues, whether by directly engaging in the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service program and forging local connections within our community! Additionally, the Legion dedicates itself to nurturing youth through various programs and activities, including American Legion Baseball, The Sumter Fair, Oratorical competitions, Scouting America and Boys and Girls State.
Join for Family
The American Legion stands as a beacon of inclusivity and camaraderie, offering a welcoming embrace to veterans and their families from all walks of life. Serving as more than just a gathering place, it fosters a sense of belonging and understanding within the veteran community, transcending differences, and uniting individuals under a shared bond of service.
Join for Benefits
Accredited American Legion service officers are specially trained to provide expert assistance, free of charge, to veterans and their families. Your membership also helps support American Legion Department Service Officers nationwide who assist veterans in preparing claims and obtaining their full military healthcare benefits through the VA.
Eligibility Questions
Are you eligible for membership in The American Legion? Below are frequently asked questions regarding American Legion eligibility. For any other eligibility questions, feel free to contact our adjutant at Nicole@sumterpost15.org or call 803-775-5200
Q: What are the eligibility dates for membership in The American Legion?
A: Thanks to the LEGION Act (Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service Act) signed into law on July 30, 2019, the current eligibility period is Dec. 7, 1941, to the present, and includes the current war campaigns. Previously, there were seven declared war periods. Now there are two: the current war period dating back to World War II and another covering World War I. No other restrictions to American Legion membership have changed.
Q: I'm currently on active duty. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, you are a veteran. All current active duty military are eligible for membership.
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 a veteran. As long as you have served at least one day of federal active duty during any qualifying period, you are eligible for membership.
Q: I served during one of the qualifying periods but was never in a combat zone. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, you are a veteran. Location of active duty service is not a consideration for membership.
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, you are a veteran. Title 10 orders are issued by the Secretary of Defense and therefore are federal orders.
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, you are not eligible for membership. Title 32 orders are issued under a governor's authority, whereas Title 10 orders are issued by the Secretary of Defense.
Q: I'm currently a cadet at one of the U.S. Military Academies. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, you are a veteran. The American Legion has considered service in the military academies as eligible for membership since World War II.
Q: Can I be an honorary or social member of The American Legion?
A: No, you cannot. Per The American Legion National Constitution and By-laws, no form or class of membership is authorized except regular active or paid up for life.
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, you are a veteran. Since the mid-60s, all basic training and occupational training schools were considered federal active duty service.
Q: I served with allied military forces during one of the qualifying periods. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, you are a veteran, only if you were a U.S. citizen at the time of entry.
Q: I served with the Civil Air Patrol/Civilian Technical Corps/USPHS as a civilian during two qualifying periods. Am I eligible?
A: No, you are not eligible for membership. Eligible members must have federal military service during a qualifying period and received an honorable discharge or discharge under honorable conditions.
Q: I enlisted and went to basic training but received an uncharacterized discharge due to a medical condition. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, you are a veteran. Uncharacterized discharges for medical reasons are assumed to be under honorable conditions unless specifically stated otherwise. There are other categories of uncharacterized discharges, and before they are determined eligible for membership, the discharge should be sent to American Legion National Headquarters for determination. A record will be maintained at National on final determination.
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 go to archives.gov/veterans to request another copy of your discharge papers. A copy of orders putting you on federal active duty can also be used as proof of eligibility.
Q: If I join online or submit a membership application to National Headquarters, will I belong to a local post?
A: When you first join The American Legion through National Headquarters, your membership will be assigned to the department (state) headquarters (HQ) post in your state of residence. The HQ posts are administrative posts with no meetings or activities, although you have the same membership benefits and can visit local posts as a guest. You can choose to remain in the HQ post, but it's recommended that you visit posts in your area and, if you find one you like, transfer. It's a great way to get involved with your local community.
Q: How do I transfer my membership to another post?
A: The transfer process is simple. Visit the post you're interested in joining and speak with an officer. You'll need to provide your 9-digit member ID and should also be prepared to show a copy of your DD214 (or similar) to verify your eligibility. After acceptance of your membership, the post will submit the necessary paperwork to notify the department (state) and National Headquarters of your transfer.
Q: When does my membership expire?
A: Your membership expires on Dec. 31 of the paid year shown on your card. It can be confusing because your annual dues are supposed to be paid by Jan. 1 each year, so National Headquarters starts accepting dues for the upcoming year on July 1. The goal is to have everyone renewed for the new year by Jan. 1. If dues are not paid by Jan. 1, the member becomes delinquent. On Feb. 1, the member is suspended, and on June 30, the member is dropped from the membership rolls.