Are military members being Freemasons a dying breed?

Masons have always been a presence in our Military but I was never approached and really never paid it much nevermind while I served. Although as a History Buff I have nothing but respect for the Masons. After I retired I was approached twice and asked if I was interested. I was and am to busy but the individuals that approached me I have the Highest Regard for.

It isn't Freemasonry in the Military that's dying; its fraternal organizations in general.  After I moved from CT to DC my CT Lodge had to merge with another lodge just to have enough active members to fill all the chairs.  But the same is true of the Oddfellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of Columbus. 

I have had an interest in becoming a Mason, however I don't feel that my religious beliefs are strong enough, I haven't been active in a church for quite some time now. However, even if I was, I'm not sure what Freemasonry is all about, and I wouldn't know how to go about joining.

Since I am not a member I do not know much of the organization, or its branches, but from what I did research in college when i was interested in joining, because of extended family ties to the organization I know this. Entry is not all that difficult: Be a man, freeborn, of good repute and well-recommended; A belief in a Supreme Being (says nothing of what you have to believe in); Ability to support one's self and family; Of lawful age; and Come to Freemasonry of their own free will and accord.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>The military is a perfect breeding ground for people looking to make connections and a stronger fraternal structure. I don't think Freemasons are any less present as they are just more cautious of who they bring in and their intent once they are in. All the Illuminati freaks and geeks, along with media influence has painted the organization in a twisted light.&nbsp;</div>

My very 1st 1SG was a Freemason and did not have crazy emblems or conveyed it.&nbsp; Also to caveat I never have been approached asking&nbsp;to consider it as a member.&nbsp; I will say that when Washington, Franklin, and Jefferson the founding members of this society would roll over in their graves if they see what occurs today.&nbsp; Speaking unintelligently on the subject&nbsp; regardless of rank should be considered for membership for th eright reasons not because they need to attain promotion, slip through the cracks; etc.&nbsp; Accountability needs to be held regardless of membership and outside interference

Conspiracy theorist have it all wrong, the Illuminati was real yes and they were disbanded on black Friday in their land of origin Bavaria. Is it possible that&nbsp; an offshoot organization still exists? possibly, could they be in the ranks of Freemasonry possibly its all speculative. The reverse of the dollar bill to a mason we see the all seeing eye which represents the great architect of the universe (AKA) God, the rest&nbsp;is just a design.&nbsp;Prince Hall was made a mason to send messages between lodges in&nbsp;military camps, he then decided he wanted the opportunity&nbsp;for other black men to be masons&nbsp;and requested charter from the United Grand Lodge of England in which all charters come from. Too many people are uneducated on Freemasonry just because you see a some high ranking people in the&nbsp;Army&nbsp;with the masonic ring doesn't mean if your not a mason your doomed we don't just show special favor to our own, we are for helping anyone in need as far as possible without serious injury to ourselves. If you would pay attention most of your home towns have a masonic lodge which should hold charity's and participate in parades and community projects.&nbsp;Freemasonry in the military is not dying its hiding because&nbsp;people that don't understand our fraternity&nbsp;or that have seen a mason that is not&nbsp;living or acting&nbsp;on the square causes trouble for all of&nbsp;us.&nbsp;

Having read through the various comments for this thread. I have come to the conclusion that I will never be a Freemason.  The following list are the reasons I feel this way.

1. I do not know any Freemasons.
2. I may have retired from the US Coast Guard, but I retired as an Enlisted Person.
3. I am not financially independent, therefore I am not rich enough to be considered for membership.
4. The Freemasons seem to be a very exclusive  club that has major restrictions for membership. This in itself is the main reason that I feel that the Freemasons are a dying breed.
5. I am classified as being  90% Service Related for my Disability Rating. which limits my ability to climb the stairs that normally lead to the second floor of buildings where the local Freemason Halls are located.
6. None of my family, to my knowledge, were members of the Freemasons.
and finally,
7. I am not sure if the Freemasons meet my requirements for me to join.

I actually tried to become a mason through my dad who is a 32deg. However, I need two masons to vouch for me and that is the hard part. Its not like they have a recruiting stand on the corner, and getting into a lodge without an escort is difficult. So, unless my experience is off base, I can see why membership is declining. If a mason is in the Alexandria/Quantico area, I'd like to chat.

It's not a dying breed, I am a freemason and I have not joined to gain special favor amongst my fellow service members. I joined because it was what I wanted to do.&nbsp;