06/12/2026
Just notified of this today by our Department in Ohio. HUGE help for membership chairs going forward. Auxiliary officers are now permitted to sign off on applications for membership after verification of eligibility. No more hunting down a Legionnaire officer for signature, which can delay the submission process.
Removing barriers for membership:
June 3rd the NEC voted on a change to Standing Rule XI. Units:
Section 6. Membership eligibility through the service of a living veteran may be established by presentation of a current The American Legion membership card. Membership eligibility through the service of a deceased veteran may be established by certification of the deceased veteran’s proof of military service by the post adjutant or other post officer or by the unit secretary or other unit officer. Joining online requires an affidavit of eligibility; the Unit may request a copy of the veteran’s proof of military service.
What does this change mean? The unit secretary or other unit officer may verify the eligibility of a potential member and sign the application. By expanding the options for who may review and sign membership applications, we are removing barriers and allowing the processing of membership to be more efficient. It is not a requirement that the unit review eligibility, if a unit wishes to continue to work with their legion post, they may do so.
