Why are fewer young Veterans joining Veteran organizations (VFW, American Legion) post military service?

Everytime I go to visit one the older "FARTS" just do not care to spend time with the younger VETS. I do say that some , not all the younger VETS have a large chip on their shoulders like the older VETS own them something. In my opinion the only thing they are owed is a kick in the ASS and thank the older VET for being there first.

every time i see a VFW table or person out side a store,its always older guys.We need to project the VFW as a group for all ages put guys out there who are younger give the younger crowed 3 months free to see what it is all about i love the VFW.the old war stories and the brother hood/sister is amazing.to be able to talk to some one who has been and done what you have is the best type of release. I am praying that we get more guys involved

I delayed joining the VFW for a few years after returning home. My father was a 'Nam Vet. He was an alcoholic. I observed the majority of Vets at the VFW were alcoholics. I didn't want to join their ranks and be the 'young alcoholic in training'. I rarely go to my local VFW, though when I moved across the country, I did transfer my membership.

I don't have a lot of time to spend there, and bingo isn't exactly an exciting event for me. There is little imagination in the halls of the VFW Posts. I believe there is no attraction. I believe the VFW is not reaching out, but rather waiting for the younger, new Vets to walk in.

I am glad that I did join, and have spent time with some of my predecessors, however, if for no other reason than to let them have someone to talk to, or to learn something about our nation's past.

But again - for the younger crowd, I don't see that it is attractive to them at all.

Been out 20 years. Never been to one. What is the difference between the organizations? I drive by one every day but have never stopped by.

They are not joining the VFW or DAV as they are having everything handed to them and have never had to fight for it. All the previous veterans have done the fighting. They don't realize that if they don't join that once the older vets pass on, there will be no one left to continue to fight for veterans

I feel that social media has definitely impacted veteran organizations as vets can now stay connected to the guys and gals in their former units via digital means. Former military will always gravitate towards other former members but with smart phones and the internet the days of sitting around and telling war stories are unfortunately becoming a thing of the past. Rallypoint.com and the like are a prime reason but also there is a fundamental change in the way the younger generations communicate in general. There's no need to gather because of advancements in the way we now communicate. Also there are more organizations out there. I myself have reached out to DAV and The Soldier's Project based on their missions.

Real sore subject with me. I did choose to get involved with a VFW Post in Philadelphia. When I joined there we attracted maybe 8 vets to a meeting. I was recruited to immediately get involved as an officer because the older guys just didn't want the leadership role anymore. Boy was I in for a rude awakening. My first initiative was to get existing members back involved and bring new members in. man was that met with skepticism and insult! They had the good ole boys network in place, non veteran social members felt threatened. Us "outsiders" (veterans) were actually told we weren't welcomed, that this was "their" neighborhood place and since we didn;t live in "their" neighborhood, we had no say in operations. I knew it was time to move on when I felt compelled to carry a loaded handgun to protection. For thsoe who want to to know...Bridesburg-Lawton VFW Post 2 in Philadelphia.

Why are LESS younger veterans....
Maybe because they finished high school and learned that the proper word here is FEWER and they don't want to associate with a bunch of guys who never learned to speak English correctly! (Less refers to degree, as in "less likely to join because of poor grammar. Fewer refers to number, as in "fewer and fewer young vets will want to associate with older vets who never learned how to speak correctly!"

Just sayin' .......

I know some do not think this replies to the original question, but I disagree- It should be "fewer" younger veterans, not "less" younger veterans.

Non-Coms sometimes get the reputation that they can't run with officers because they aren't as smart. The poor use of grammar doesn't help to make that impression go away.

See my opinion directly on point below.

I remember when I came home from Nam out VFW and AL in my home town did not want us. We were druggies and baby killers. It took me 30 years before I joined anything. Maybe the younger vets have the same type of disconnect.