Originally called the Retired Officers Association, the organization that is now the Military Officers Association of America was founded in 1929. The association's first headquarters in Los Angeles, California. The association's goal was to provide advice and assistance to fellow military officers throughout United States. The organization also promoted fraternal relations among America's uniformed services.[1][2][3]
The association moved its headquarters into the District of Columbia area in 1944. At that time, the organization had approximately 2,600 members.[2] In 2002, the association changed its name to the Military Officers Association of America. The change took effect on 1 January 2003.[2]
Today, the Military Officers Association of America has over 380,000 members. It is the largest military officers' organization in the United States. In addition to supporting a strong national defense program, the association provides military benefits counseling, career transition assistance, and educational assistance for children of military families (including families of enlisted personnel).[1][2][4]
The association is governed by a board of directors. The board is composed of 36 members from all eight uniformed services. Board members also represent six geographic regions. The board elects its chairman and three vice chairmen. It also elects the association's president, chief financial officer, and secretary. The president oversees the association's day-to-day operations. The association's headquarters is located in Alexandria, Virginia.[1][2][3][5]
Advocacy
The association promotes military professionals and encourages government policies that support military members and their families.[1][2] The association staff identifies important national defense issues and provides association members with regular updates on key issues and pending legislation. The association advocates for a strong national defense, but does not get involved in military strategy debates or support specific weapons systems.[2][6][7][8]
