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Why Join AFTEA?
Many people ask that question when an invitation is extended to them to join. And it’s a fair question!

First and foremost, you need an association to accomplish what you cannot accomplish alone. It’s a fact that in Washington, D.C., the politicians count numbers. They listen to the groups with large memberships, because they know that’s where the votes are.

In addition, they rely on associations for information and expertise they themselves do not have. That’s why AFTEA is so important to you – and to our elected officials.

The fact is, your voice, as a top Non-commissioned Officer, desperately needs to be heard by our elected officials in Washington. The time has come for us to use the experience and expertise we gained in the Armed Forces and voice our opinions.

AFTEA is a non-profit, military organization whose Members have joined in supporting all aspects of national security, with emphasis on the men and women who serve and who have served.

We are committed to caring for, and fighting for, our courageous men and women of all the uniformed services -- active duty, retired, National Guard, Reserve, and former uniformed services men and women and their families.

OUR VISION

As an influential voice for America's soldiers, sailors and airmen, we are a dedicated team committed to building the best professional and representative association for the world's best Armed Service.

Who Can Join AFTEA?
AFTEA is exclusively for those who have reached the pinnacle of the enlisted ranks of the Uniformed Services.

Members in AFTEA are Sergeant Majors, Master Gunnery Sergeants, Master Chief Petty Officers, and Chief Master Sergeants from all branches of the Uniformed Services: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corp, and Coast Guard. We are unique in that each member must have either retired as or currently hold the grade of E-9.

Legislative Representation
AFTEA represents your interests in Congress, at the White House, the Veterans Administration, and the Department of Defense. We monitor proposed legislation, utilizing the latest in computer technology, and we lobby and educate members of Congress and Pentagon officials on behalf of our members.

Participation by the people is the key to good government. AFTEA amplifies your voice and your participation, so your voice is sure to be heard. When you work through AFTEA, you can have a great impact on the issues that concern you.

Objectives
The objectives of the AFTEA are:

• To support a national defense that will protect the security of the United States.

• To support a defense budget that will provide modern and sufficient equipment so that our military personnel can safely and effectively accomplish their mission.

• To educate the public and members of Congress about the uniformed services and their most important asset, its people.

• To give voice to our members’ concerns about military pay, health care, pension and disability, survivor benefits, education, housing, child care, and other quality-of-life programs.

Our Pledge
Service in our nation’s Armed Forces is more than just a series of decisions and choices about jobs. Life in the military is a major change in lifestyle for its members and their families.

The requirements of a profession that demands sacrifice, personal risk, and dedication to the American ideal of freedom makes service in the armed forces unique. That’s why the Armed Forces Top Enlisted Association is proud to be an organization that is dedicated to fighting to protect the benefits that were promised to those who proudly have worn the uniform of our nation, and to ensure that those now serving have the quality of life they were promised and the equipment they need to do their jobs.

AFTEA recognizes the many sacrifices you and your family have made. Unfortunately, many of our political leaders don’t have any understanding about life in the military. In fact, there are now fewer members of Congress with military experience than at any time since World War II. AFTEA works in Washington, D.C., to educate members of Congress and their staffs so they’ll understand the hardships military people must endure. In short, we are there to represent YOU.

You have every right to be proud of your service to America. And you also have every right to expect our leaders to keep the promises that were made to you. AFTEA is fighting to make sure they do.

We hope you’ll make the decision to join with us and help us fight to protect your future.