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

I think either one is fine, were ever you feel you fit in the best. For me it is the VFW, and I am a life member of both.

I originally joined the American Legion in the 1990’s after active duty in the early 1980’s and was somewhat active with the AL.

After my Koran and OIF deployments our local VFW actively recruited me. Our post is very active in our community and recruits vets of all wars including women. It is difficult recruiting some OIF/OEF veterans and their families despite being welcoming to them.

We keep in trying though!

In my opinion VFW, because of my experience with my post. We are few who have served in combat zones. The American Legion is for all veterans. The VFW is only for veterans who have served in combat zones, or combat deployments.

I am a Vietnam Era vet, I joined our small town local AL over 40 yrs ago. Our big : events that we co-sponsor with the town is Memorial Day, Flag Day & Veterans Day. Our Post hall is used by 2 local AA groups for weekly meetings. We have a few other organizations that rent the Hall.
Rank has no priority, service to our community does.
We struggle to get GWOT Vets to join. Up until 6 yrs ago I was the youngest member @ 65. We now have a few GWOT members who have stepped up to help keep it Post alive.
The biggest challenge for our Post is membership . While we have over 50 paid members, only about 6 attend our regular meetings.
I would strongly urge vets of any age to join either AL or the VFW. The local VFW in the next to down closed down a few years ago due to lack of members. The town on our othe side lost their AL due to membership 2 years ago.
It saddens me that our great vets of this generation don’t seem to want to join either organization.
It will only be thru the GWOT vets joining either the AL or VFW that these great organization will be able to continue to be of service to our great nation

I would recommend you join both. The VFW is drawing members from a smaller pool since you have to be a combat veteran to become a full active member. These are the big 2 when it comes to fighting for our benefits in Washington D.C. If I had to choose one it would be the VFW, Veterans of Foreign War.

I live in Florida, and I'm a life member of both the VFW and American Legion. I have not spent any time at either, but there are many posts for each in my area. When I retire next year, I will become engaged with both. They will need young blood in all posts nationwide since, sadly, the Vietnam and older era folks are passing away.