About The American Legion

The ability to lead is recognized by election to the office of post commander. The commander’s duties are largely inspirational and executive, they navigate the ship. The Commander makes the various committee assignments with the support of the executive committee (i.e., Membership, Americanism, etc), oversees the scheduled meetings (Referencing the Manual of Ceremonies), sets the budget for the year (with the Finance Officer and Executive Committee). (See the Manual of Ceremonies for a complete description 

Membership and retention is the primary concern of the first vice commander. The vice commander should be familiar with the ceremonial protocol for regular meetings and will likely be called upon to conduct one or more meetings during the year due to an absence of the post commander. Knowing how to develop an agenda, run a meeting and follow protocol are useful skills to develop. The vice commander should be ready to fill in for the commander at a moment’s notice. 

The second vice commander is responsible for building an atmosphere in which Legionnaires have fun while accomplishing the mission of your American Legion post. The commander depends on the second vice commander to help run operations to spice up meetings and attract members to the post. One of the second vice commander’s first duties should be to contact other veterans and civic groups to verify each patriotic holiday and observance receives the respect it deserves. The second vice commander should be looking for ways to involve members in post activities, operations and programs to assist the first vice commander by providing improved member retention. 

The adjutant is similar to a first sergeant of a military unit, around whom all post activities revolve. Many posts retain a good adjutant in office over a period of years as opposed to a one-year position.  

The adjutant should provide continuity for the post. While the commander’s duties are largely inspirational and executive, an adjutant’s duties are administrative. The commander navigates the ship, but the adjutant is the engineer who runs the ship’s machinery and keeps the vessel on an even keel. The adjutant is the personnel officer and personal point of contact for individual members of the post. The adjutant keeps membership records and minutes of meetings, assists the work of other officers and committees, and publishes official orders, announcements and instructions.  

The adjutant’s office is the conduit for communication with all levels of the organization and a hub for all post activities. The adjutant assists new officers and committees in getting started with their work and completing their endeavors. 

The finance officer should be honest and have experience in handling financial affairs. The post depends on fiduciary integrity and should acquire expert advice in formulating and administering its financial policy. The finance officer usually serves as the chair of the finance committee and is in charge of all receiving and disbursing of post funds, national and department per capita fees, and cards to department headquarters. It is essential the finance officer maintain accurate financial records for all post operations and activities.

The job requires a competent, dedicated and organized person, preferably one is readily available to provide assistance. The post service officer is responsible for bringing awareness to all veterans and their dependents the rights and benefits granted them by law. The post service officer also must know how to access and utilize the expert services available through The American Legion, state and federal government agencies, and local community agencies. 

The chaplain need not necessarily be a member of the clergy but must be a person capable of moral and intellectual leadership and one who gives dignity and respect to the office. The chaplain should be in close touch with the commander and other post officers and should attend all meetings of the post executive committee. The leadership in many post activities belongs by right to the chaplain, and when this office is filled by the right person, the post’s usefulness to the community greatly increases.

The judge advocate supplies professional advice in the conduct of post business or to procure proper counsel. This officer is the guardian of the constitutional form of post government. The judge advocate can also supply valuable assistance to other post committees and officers and should maintain contact with local government officials. The judge advocate commonly has the duty, with others, of auditing post financial accounts. This is done annually, usually before the election of officers, or more frequently at their discretion.  

The sergeant-at-arms arranges the meeting hall and assists the post commander and adjutant in preliminary arrangements for meetings, including leading the color detail during presentation and retirement ceremonies. Every Legionnaire wants to feel part of the group, particularly new Legionnaires attending their first few meetings. The sergeant-at-arms must make certain new members are welcomed, introduced and made to feel they are important to the post. The sergeant-at-arms encourages members to attend meetings and advises the commander on who should be acknowledged. 

The work of post Historian is cumulative. It is wise to leave the responsibility to one person if handled well. There should be close cooperation between the post adjutant and the historian. The former works with records on matters of current interest, the latter on matters of historical interest. The post historian should also keep in touch with the department historian and be prompt in answering inquiries. An annual report should be made to the department historian prior to the department convention. 

(3 Positions/ Alternating 3 Year terms)- All trustee's serve on the Executive Committee as well as the House and Entertainment Committees. The House and Entertainment committee oversees all matters pertaining to the Post building, Canteen operations, and arrangements for social events. Under the supervision of the Finance Officer, this committee shall be responsible for the day to day management of funds or accounts as the Executive Committee and Finance Officer may direct. 

Recommended for any position: The American Legion Basic Training The BASIC TRAINING course provides a pillar-by-pillar understanding of American Legion services, programs and history. The mobile-friendly online training is available free for members of The American Legion, Sons of The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary. BASIC TRAINING is a five-part course offered under the American Legion training banner at legion.org/basictraining. Core topics covered are History & Organization, Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth. Each core topic includes suggestions on ways that American Legion Family members can influence and strengthen their local communities. Course graduates can download and print a certificate of completion and order a pin from Emblem Sales.