The AMVETS Post, in its own community anywhere in the nation, is the basic unit of the AMVETS Organization. Posts vary in size from the newly chartered, with a minimum of 10 members, to more than 2,000. Each Post conducts its local programs and participates in the AMVETS State Department and the National Organizational activities. To be eligible for membership in AMVETS, all that is required is that you have served in the Armed Forces of the United States at anytime after September 15, 1940, including wartime merchant marines (with DD214) and members of the National Guard and the reserves, and either have an HONORABLE DISCHARGE (as evidenced by a DD Form 214) or be presently on duty, either Active Duty, Reserve or Guard.
There is no requirement that you ever served in a combat area or combat theatre. In fact, your service could have been entirely during time of peace, and you would still be eligible. Now tell me, how much more open could any membership eligibility be for a Veterans' Organization?
Membership dues vary from Post to Post. As of the 2008 membership season, the National portion of the annual member's dues will be $14.00. Add to that the Dept portion of the dues and the Post dues. The dues in the AMVETS Department of Alaska are $5.00. And for Post 2 in Anchorage, the Post portion is $16.00. That makes the total dues (for a member of Post 2, Anchorage) $35.00. Life Membership dues for Post 2 are $150.00, of which $75.00 goes to National, and $37.50 goes to the Department and Post, each.
Annual memberships expire on 31 December of each year. However, the membershp drive for any year officially starts on 1 September. If an annual member renews their dues NLT 7 December, they receive an "Early Bird" award, which at a minimum consists of the affixation of a tiny rendition of the organization's "Silver Helmet" Award, one of the most prestigious awards that can be bestowed upon anyone for the support of, or operation of programs designed to assist the veteran. Having that small helmet placed upon an annual membership card has become quite a distinction; a "bragging right".