Membership eligibility in The American Legion is based on honorable service with the U.S. Armed Forces between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918, or any time after December 7, 1941, to present day.

All Service campaigns, to include, but not limited to:

• World War II

• Cold War

• Korean War

• Vietnam War

• Lebanon/Grenada

• Operation Just Cause

• Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield)

• Global War on Terrorism​

• Operation Freedom Eagle

• Iraq War

• Operation Inherent Resolve

• Gaza War

 
Must have served at least one day of active military duty during one of the dates above and honorably discharged or still serving honorably.

Because eligibility dates remain open, all members of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to join The American Legion at this time, until the date of the end of hostilities (as determined by the government of the United States).​