National Security

  • How The American Legion supports U.S. interests and security at home and abroad
  • Steps the Legion takes to care for the families of living and deceased service members and veterans
  • Actions you can take to help promote national security in your community” 

The National Security Commission has six standing committees:

  1. Aerospace,
  2. Conventional Armed Forces,
  3. Foreign Relations,
  4. Law and Order & Homeland Security,
  5. Military Benefits & Quality of Life,
  6. National Guard & Reserve Forces, and Unconventional Forces & Intelligence.

The American Legion’s National Security Council lists as one of its primary responsibilities the monitoring of issues associated with military force strength. Included within that responsibility are qualifications for service in an all-volunteer force capable of maintaining the world’s strongest, most skilled and efficient military. At the local level, American Legion posts commonly serve as disaster shelters in times of crisis, working closely with local and state emergency-management and homeland security authorities. Posts can provide vital backup and assistance to local VA medical centers and play active roles in their emergency-services programs. Legion posts also build public awareness every September with events and activities that support National Disaster Preparedness Month.

Quality of Life for Troops, Retirees and Military Families

The American Legion fights for the protection of military retirement benefits when Congress threatens to reduce them. The Legion also defends the current military-retirement system and opposes government efforts to change it.