What is the best organization for a younger (GWOT) Veteran to join, American Legion, VFW, or something else?

I'm not a member of either, but I've been in a number of them. It's always the people that make the difference, not necessarily the organization. Some units are more political than others. Some units are very big into community service. Some units have a motorcycle group. Some have bars. Some are restricted and others are open to the public on a schedule. Bottom line, it will be whatever environment you feel comfortable in and that you get some return on your investment of time and effort. Up where I live VFW and AL are very small and both are run by a few who want to dictate how everything is done. They have no idea how to hang up the rank. So I'd recommend neither here. Results will vary elsewhere. Just start showing up at what's within reasonable driving and check them out. There's no rush in selecting.

It depends upon the post, not the organization. I joined both the VFW and AL, and attended meetings. Neither worked for me so I switched posts. On the second attempt I found what I was looking for (a group dedicated to helping/serving veterans). It happened to be the VFW. It could have been the AL. But I allowed my membership to lapse in the AL and devoted myself to the VFW post I discovered.

I think CPT Jack Durish has said it well. I can't say I felt as welcomed by the VFW early on and did better with the American Legion. I think the GWOT vets should be rubbing shoulders with the vets of previous conflicts. There lessons to be learned, stories to be heard, and is a great way to meet people from all walks. Service is rare and I think being around like minded warriors is important. The name on the sign out front is less important.

You should at least Join the VFW to support an organization that is still looking out for your best interest in Washington. Without the VFW we Veterans would be in a world of hurt without the legislation that they lobbied for. They are the largest and most influential Veteran lobbying group in the United States and they become stronger with every new member that joins. I would say that if you want to help your fellow veterans and yourself join the VFW. There is no reason that you can't join a younger VSO that reflects your interest but you should consider supporting the VFW by becoming a member regardless. Younger VSOs are powerless when it comes to protecting Veterans in Washington but they are still a great place to serve your local community. Just do a search of Veterans Benefits and you will see that the VFW played a role in almost all of them.

My town has a Veterans Council which plans events and does more than our local VFW & Am Legion. Visit your local organizations and get a feel for what they do.

My experience with those organizations is that they are a great place to get depressingly drunk on cheap booze while listening to faux war stories embellished by years of exaggerations.
I've not been in one in decades.

Im a member of all of them- I prefer the Al, because they seem to try to do more in the community.

Go visit the chapters near you. I didn't find anything appealing at the chapters near me. I hope you have better luck.

None. There are rip off. I am a member of VFW post 9951. I lost my DD214. The QM is a lazy ex ssg

This is a great question and I'm happy to see that you are looking into joining one of these organizations. I wholeheartedly agree with CAPT Kevin B. that it is the people in the group that will make the difference for you. You might try going to each before you commit to one to get a feel for how their meetings are run, or how their events take place. Which place feels more at home for you? Which is more welcoming? One VFW I visited in my area had very friendly people with a generally welcoming atmosphere. However, the VFW post was a bar and the atmosphere was very heavy with cigarette smoke. While the people were friendly, I could not relax in the room...it wasn't long before my eyes started burning. I left much earlier than expected from what could have been a great time bonding with fellow veterans that have lived a much longer life than have I at this point. It was a missed opportunity for both me and the VFW post in question.

Several VFW posts in my area are trying to get more members of a younger generation to join. Much of the members are older, and they want to inject new life and modernity to their posts. You may consider playing a role in doing that for your local VFW or AL (though I'm not as familiar with the AL in my area). Once you decide which one fits your personality best, bring your energy to the table, as well, perhaps, as a fellow service-member or two.