Department Headquarters Commanders and Adjutants
Department (State) Headquarters Directory
The American Legion is organized into 55 departments, with one operating in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico, and the Philippines. The establishment of one department in each state and the District of Columbia is based on the National Constitution, which says that "...there may be one department in each territory and insular possession of the United States. The National Executive Committee may establish posts in the territorial and insular possessions of the United States and in foreign countries, and shall designate the department under whose jurisdiction they shall function, but this shall in no way affect the status of departments already established."
Each department exercises general supervision over posts within its jurisdiction. Close communication and cooperation between the post and its department headquarters are essential.
The department headquarters constitutes the link between the posts of The American Legion and the national organization. The post deals directly with the department adjutant. In so far as possible, all routine business should be transacted through department headquarters, which is the administrative level most familiar with issues and conditions affecting the state. Questions of policy and organization should be referred by posts to officials at their department headquarters who will refer post questions, when appropriate, to national headquarters.
Each department functions under its own constitution and holds an annual convention. Department conventions consist of delegates elected by the posts within its jurisdiction. These convention delegates elect department officers and representatives to the National Executive Committee. Delegates to the National Convention are chosen by the department not less than two weeks before the National Convention, usually during the department conventions, but may be elected in any other manner specified by the department constitution.
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