Navy League of the United States
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Navy League of the United States, commonly referred to as The Navy League, is a national association made up of former members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, the United States Coast Guard and the United States Merchant Marine, and civilians interested in supporting the sea services. This organization supports the community, youth organizations, and Armed Forces veterans groups.
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[edit] History
The Navy League of the United States was founded in 1902 with the encouragement of President Theodore Roosevelt.
[edit] About the Navy League
The Navy League is unique among military-oriented associations in that it is a civilian organization dedicated to the education of our citizens, including our elected officials, and the support of the men and women of the sea services and their families. Prior military service is not necessary to be a member of the Navy League.
Since its founding in 1902 the Navy League of the United States has provided a powerful voice for a stronger sea service to the United States Congress and to the American People. The Navy League has grown to become the foremost citizens' organization to serve, support, and stand with all the U.S. sea services -- the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine.
The Navy League has compiled an impressive record of accomplishments by members who are recognized for their integrity, patriotism, and community service. Since the Navy League’s founding, it has grown to become a worldwide organization with 65,000 members in more than 250 councils; including more than 250 corporate and community affiliate members.
Today, the Navy League’s original mission translates into two main initiatives. First, the Navy League’s public education efforts are designed to inform the nation, and its political leaders, of the vital importance to the country of a comprehensive and fully prepared sea service. Second, the Navy League – primarily through its councils, provides support for active duty sea service personnel and their families. In keeping with its educational objective, the Navy League also supports America’s young people through successful youth programs, including the sponsorship of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, and the Navy League Foundation Scholarship Program.
[edit] Mission
The Navy League has set forth the following objectives:
- To foster and maintain interest in a strong U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Merchant Marine as integral parts of a sound national defense and vital to the freedom of the United States. - To serve as a means of educating and informing the American people with regard to the role of sea power in the nuclear age and the problems involved in maintaining strong defenses in that age. - To improve the understanding and appreciation of those who wear the uniforms of our armed forces and to better the conditions under which they live and serve. - To provide support and recognition for the Reserve forces in our communities in order that we may continue to have a capable and responsive Reserve. - To educate and train our youth in the customs and traditions of the Navy, the Marine Corps, the Coast Guard and the Merchant Marine through the means of an active and vigorous Naval Sea Cadet Corps.
[edit] Programs
Youth Education: The Navy League sponsors the Naval Sea Cadet Corps for youth ages 13 – 17. This congressionally chartered program was establish to provide education and training to young men and women and enhances their interests in maritime history, customs, and traditions. The program’s objective is also to ingrain a sense of personal honor, patriotism, courage, self-reliance, confidence, and similar qualities, which will mold good character and citizenship.
The Navy League also has a Cadet Corps for youths 11 - 14 which provides mental, moral, and physical training through naval and other instruction and develops patriotism, good citizenship, and instills a sense of duty, discipline, self-respect, and respect for others. Both the Navy League and the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets sponsor numerous scholarships programs.
In addition, the Navy League provides support for the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC), the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) and the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC).
Public Education: The Navy League publishes Seapower magazine, the NAVY LEAGUER newsletter, the annual Maritime Policy Statement, and special reports. Additionally, Navy League publishes the ALMANAC OF SEAPOWER, a professional reference journal. The League sponsors the Sea-Air-Space Exposition, the largest maritime exposition in the world, educational seminars, an annual national convention of members, and provides public speaking opportunities at symposia and forums.
Legislative Education: The Office of Legislative Affairs serves as the Navy League's liaison/representative to the Military Coalition, the Navy/Marine Corps Council, the Navy/Marine Corps Caucus in the House of Representatives, the congressional/legislative affairs offices of: the Department of Defense and the 4 military services, the Department of Transportation, the Veterans' Administration, the Maritime Administration and the NOAA Corps. The Office of Legislative Affairs at the Navy League's headquarters conducts legislative and issue research focusing on sea service needs and concerns, specifically tracking and monitoring legislation. In addition, this office is responsible for planning and coordinating functions on Capitol Hill or in congressional districts to increase congressional awareness on the mission of the Navy League and its legislative issues.
Recruiting Support: The Navy League of the U.S. provides more than $250,000 per year in support for scholarships and awards to recognize "Sailor/Marine of the Month, Quarter, and Year" winners, "Recruiter of the Year” winners and other awards.
