Memberships and Clubs: The Army and Navy Club

Memberships and Clubs: The Army and Navy Club
Courtesy of the Army and Navy Club

(Updated June 2022)

The Army and Navy Club is the most prestigious military officers' club in the United States. It was founded on December 28, 1885, and is located at the corner of 17th Street and I Street N.W. on Washington's Farragut Square.

The Club has an historic main dining room, an informal Eagle Grill, the Daiquiri Lounge, 32 hotel guest rooms, a ballroom, meeting rooms, athletic facility, and houses a library with one of the largest private collections of military literature in the world. Membership in the Club entitles members to the use of the Club's facilities in Washington, but also extends guest privileges to over 200 of the most prestigious private clubs in existence in the United States and the world. 

MOAA LIFE Members can take advantage of a significantly reduced initiation fee of $100.

Some frequently asked questions, and answers, about the Club and this MOAA membership benefit are below. Have one that’s not on the list? Contact our Member Service Center at (800) 234-6622.

Q. Why do currently serving, retired, and former military officers join The Army and Navy Club?

A. Army and Navy Club members cite many reasons for joining, but they tend to revolve around a couple of main themes. Many are drawn to the Club because, unlike other military clubs today, it is exclusively for officers (currently serving, retired, and former officers), with a very small number of highly distinguished associate members who are admitted to membership because of significant accomplishments in business or government. Other reasons often cited include:

  • The ability of resident members to use the club for hosting business associates, family, and friends at lunch and dinner; personal and business social events, including weddings, formal dinners, and private parties; and use of the Club's library, business center, and athletic facilities.
  • The ability of nonresident members to enjoy full use of the Club's facilities when visiting Washington, D.C., including the use of 32-fully equipped hotel rooms priced below the prevailing metropolitan Washington hotel rates. The Club's location at Farragut Square is within two blocks of the White House and convenient to government buildings, and connected by the nearby Washington METRO system to the Pentagon and Capitol Hill.

 

The Club offers its members and their guests a quiet, elegant, and historic venue in the heart of Washington D.C. to enjoy the company and camaraderie of other Club members, the outstanding cuisine prepared by one of Washington's top chefs, and the Club's library and extensive art collection.

All members also can enjoy access to the Club's network of exclusive reciprocal private clubs located in major metropolitan areas throughout the world whenever they are away from Washington D.C.

 

Q. What are reciprocal clubs?

A. More than 200 Clubs from around the United States and the world have reciprocal agreements extending guest privileges to members of The Army and Navy Club. These clubs include the Royal Air Force Club in London, the New York Athletic Club in New York City, the Marines' Memorial Club in San Francisco, The University Club of Chicago, The Cercle National des Armees of Paris, and many others.

The reciprocal clubs are located in major metropolitan centers throughout the world and many have overnight hotel accommodations for use by our members. Members of these clubs are also invited to use our facilities when in Washington D.C. Here is a list of reciprocal clubs (PDF).

Q. What are the qualifications of membership?

A. To be admitted as a Regular Member of The Army and Navy Club, a person must be serving or have served as a commissioned officer in one of the Uniformed Services of the United States (i.e., Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or Public Health Service). Applications may be obtained from The Army and Navy Club Membership Office by calling 202-721-2091 or sending an email to membership@armynavyclub.org.

Q. What are the monthly dues?

A. A resident member (one who lives or works within 30 miles of the Club) pays monthly dues based upon their military duty status and age:

  • Prior-service officers over age 30 pay $146 per month;
  • officers on active duty under age 30 pay $38 per month;
  • officers on active duty over age 30 pay $59 per month.

 

There is also a $100 quarterly minimum on food and beverages for resident members.

A nonresident member (one who does not live or work within 30 miles of the Club) pays reduced monthly dues also based on their military duty status and age:

  • Prior-service (including retired) and active duty commissioned officers under age 30 pay $38 per month;
  • prior service and active duty officers over age 30 pay $53 per month.
  • If a member is within 5 years of their original commissioning date, they are eligible for the Newly Commissioned Officer rate of $32 per month in dues.

 

Q. What is the application process?

A. An individual submits a completed application to the Club's Membership Office either by mail to 901 17th Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20006, or by fax to 202-785-2481. The application must be endorsed by two current club members; however, if an applicant cannot obtain the two endorsements, the Chair of the Club's Membership Committee will make arrangements for endorsements following a brief telephonic interview with the prospective member. A check or credit card authorization for the first dues installment must be submitted with the application. Applications are acted on each month by the Club's Board of Governors and the prospective member is promptly notified. The applicant is charged for the first month's dues only when approved for membership.

Q. I already have a MOAA Life Membership and would like to join The Army and Navy Club. What do I need to do?

A. The Army and Navy Club offers a significantly reduced initiation fee of $100 for new and existing MOAA LIFE Members. Contact MOAA’s Member Service Center at 800-234-6622 or msc@moaa.org to be notified when this benefit is available, then follow the instructions below.

Complete and submit an application for The Army and Navy Club. To obtain an application, contact the Membership Office of the Army and Navy Club at 202-721-2091 or membership@armynavyclub.org. Be sure to include your MOAA LIFE Member Number. 

You may find your membership number on your Life Membership card. (You may also contact MOAA's Member Service Center to find your number.) Obtain the endorsement of two Club members, if possible, but you can also submit the application without the endorsements and the Membership Department will follow up to obtain the necessary endorsements for you. Submit your application with the applicable first dues payment to the address shown above. The Club's Board of Governors will act on your application and you will be notified within 30 days.

Q. How are Army and Navy Club members billed for charges?

A. All charges incurred at the Club are posted to the member's Army and Navy Club account. Members are required to pay all dues and charges in full when billed each month. Many members prefer to have their Club dues and monthly charges billed to a credit card and the Club's Membership Department can make these arrangements for our members.

Q. What are the rules and regulations regarding The Army and Navy Club?

A. The membership of the Club has adopted a set of bylaws that govern all aspects of the operation and management of the club. Under the bylaws, a 14-member Board of Governors, elected by the Club's regular members, is responsible for the overall business management and affairs of the Club. The Board of Governors also approves House Rules governing the dress code and conduct of members at the Club. Copies of the governing documents may be obtained from the Club's Membership Department.

Q. How can I obtain additional information?

A. For more detailed information about The Army and Navy Club and its membership application process, and to obtain a membership application phone at  202-721-2091 or by email at membership@armynavyclub.org.