An Association for the Army
The Association of the United States Army, 1950 to present
Army veterans are associational super stars. Throughout American history, Army veterans have been among the most prominent founders, leaders, and members of associational life. From veterans groups such as the Society of the Cincinnati (founded in 1783 by officers of the Revolutionary Army), community groups such as the Rotary Club, religious groups such as the Knights of Columbus, and social groups such as the Star Wars Fandom, Army veterans have played an outsized role in any organizational effort to bring Americans together. In this realm of civil society associations, however, one group stands apart for its mission of serving the Army itself: the Association of the United States Army (AUSA).
Source: DVIDS.
Established in 1950, AUSA described its founding purpose as: “The particular business and objects of THE ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY as reincorporated shall be wholly educational, literary, scientific, fostering espirit de corps, dissemination of professional knowledge and the promotion of the efficiency of the Army components of the Armed Forces of our Country.” AUSA brought together leaders from different branch associations, such as the Infantry association and the field artillery association, to speak as one on behalf of the Army. Then-President Harry Truman, an Army veteran from World War I, served as the first honorary president.
2025 marks both the Army’s 250th anniversary and AUSA's 75th anniversary. This week for Army 250, we highlight AUSA as it holds its Annual Meeting & Expo, October 14-16, in Washington DC.
AUSA 2024 Opening Ceremony. Source: DVIDS.
Today, AUSA describes its mission with three key activities: educate, inform, and connect. As an educational nonprofit, AUSA runs dozens of programs and events designed for everything from professional development for the active and reserve Army to retirement and benefits supports for veterans and military families. One of AUSA’s newest initiatives in this domain is its Center for Leadership, which engages young professionals, Army service members, and veterans, in a variety of forums focused on the qualities and practices of leadership.
With its mission to inform, AUSA is both an advocate for the Army and a publisher. AUSA manages a range of publications, including its flagship, Army magazine, which has been in circulation in one form or the other since 1904. On the advocacy front, AUSA engages with Congress and the Executive Branch to advance its government affairs priorities. Its 2024 focus areas, for example, are available here. AUSA also hosts regular coffee conversations that bring together Army leaders with government officials, AUSA members, industry partners, and others interested in Army policies and operations.
As part of its connect activities, AUSA “strengthens the bond between Soldiers and the American people, promotes the military profession, and enhances ties with industry." AUSA does this in collaboration with its over 1.6 million members and 122 chapters. For this post, I asked AUSA why it is important to strengthen the bond between Soldiers and the American people. AUSA’s President & CEO, Gen. Bob Brown, U.S. Army Retired, said the following:
“For any army to be successful, it must have the support of the people it is sworn to defend. This is particularly true in the case of the U.S. Army, which for more than 50 years has relied entirely on volunteers. Citizens must feel connected to their Army for our all-volunteer force to endure.”
This aligns very much with the goals of Army 250, which are to celebrate the Army’s history, educate the public, and engage both the Army and the broader society in building a stronger shared sense of connection to the Army’s story: past, present, and future. AUSA is an essential force in helping to strengthen the Army as a military force and as a foundational institution in American society.
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If you’d like to write a newsletter post, share an educational resource about the Army, or lift up an opportunity for people to connect with the Army (e.g., an event, story, etc.), please contact Dan (dan@army250.us).