As everyone knows training is the lifeblood of any organization. There are study courses for The American Legion as well as specialized training available. It is recommended that every District and Division conduct training at every Convention. The Department Adjutant, the Director of Internal Affairs, the Department Judge Advocate, other Department Officers, Training Committee Members and other Legionnaires are available to conduct training on Legion procedures, programs, or whatever is needed. If you would like to conduct training at your Fall or Spring Convention submit a written request to Department Headquarters requesting the training topic and instructor, remember the earlier you submit your request the better chance you will have of being able to conduct that training.
SUGGESTED GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS FOR TRAINERS
PURPOSE: To provide an active training program that increases membership, raises retention and provides new opportunities for participation at all levels.
To provide a set of standards and support of proven techniques.
To help members learn and enjoy the many aspects of being active Legionnaires, ensuring they are better able to serve the organization, community, state and nation.
EXPECTATIONS AND GUIDELINES: It is important that trainers set a good example by looking sharp, speaking clearly and avoid sounding monotonous. They should be organized, courteous, and timely and become familiar with training material, equipment and the training location.
Trainers should ensure that classrooms are away from distracting activities and have proper lighting, temperature and furnishings.
Only approved training resources found on the Department website or official American Legion booklets, pamphlets, CD’s, and DVD’s should be used.
All lesson plans and instructional materials will be provided and updated by the Department Training Committee. Trainers composing their own plans and presentations should provide them to the Department Training Committee for review prior to any training session.
DEPARTMENT TRAINING
The Department Training Committee should ensure that training is scheduled at the Fall DEC and the Mid Winter Conference.
DIVISION AND DISTRICT TRAINING
Division and District Training Chairpersons should ensure that training occurs at every Division and District Convention and support efforts for additional training throughout the year. They should provide sign-in and critique forms and submit both to the Department Training Committee for logging and review.
POST TRAINING
Posts are encouraged to conduct training in some form at every regular Post meeting. Post Training Chairpersons should maintain training records reflecting the subject, time and name of trainer and submit the information to the District Training Chairman who will log and report it at the District Conventions and furnish it to the Department Training Committee for information.
When planning training at the Post level, trainers are encouraged to utilize all Department of Texas training products located on its website and official American Legion guides and publications such as the “The American Legion-Guide to Post Training and the Post Officer’s Guide” to ensure that information used is current and factual.
DISTRICT & DIVISION COMMANDERS SCHOOL
Each year there is a District & Division Commanders School held in Austin for all District and Division Commanders. This training is open to anyone to attend; it is a great opportunity for future leaders to begin learning about The American Legion and the Department of Texas. Only the District & Division Commanders will receive school materials.
This year’s District and Division Commanders School will be held on July 31 to August 2, 2026 at the Renaissance Hotel. Training will begin on Friday at 1:00 pm.
AMERICAN LEGION EXTENSION INSTITUTE
The American Legion’s official training program for officers, members, Legion College applicants and those who simply want to expand their knowledge of the nation’s largest veterans service organization is available online.
The American Legion Extension Institute has been rewritten, updated, streamlined and enhanced with videos, digital photos, clickable links, a historical timeline and additional features. To register and take the course, visit www.legion.org/alei (Due to high traffic volume, you may experience some delays. If you experience delays, please try again later.) The program should take less than two hours to complete. It is divided into six sections, with a quiz at the end of each one, followed by a final exam.
The sections closely follow the Legion’s Four Pillars of service. They include:
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- History & Organization
- Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation
- National Security
- Americanism
- Children & Youth
Upon completion, a participant must pass a final online exam to receive a digital certificate of recognition for those who successfully complete the course. The American Legion national website: www.legion.org.
The online course is Free for members of The American Legion and Sons of The American Legion.
NATIONAL LEGION COLLEGE
Lead with Service, Inspire with Purpose; The National American Legion College embraces a servant leadership model, that equips Legionnaires with the skills to lead through service, inspire others, and strengthen The American Legion’s mission.
This six-day immersive experience goes beyond traditional leadership education as it fosters a deep understanding of The American Legion’s core values, and the power of collaborative, service-driven leadership. Students will develop practical strategies to lead with empathy, accountability, and vision, ensuring they are prepared to build strong teams, enhance community impact, and guide The American Legion into the future. Through critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and hands-on learning, participants will gain the confidence and knowledge to lead at every level within their posts, districts, departments, and beyond.
To apply click here: https://register.legion.org/nalc-application
Recommended Department criteria for Legionaries to attend the National Legion College
All applications must be submitted to the State Adjutant by June 15th each year.
The Training Committee will use these criteria in determining candidates for NALC attendance. If a criteria area has not been met, the candidate can provide reasoning as to why their background warrants were waving.
- Must have been a member in good standing for at least 5 years.
- Has served as a Post Officer for 2 years.
- Completed the on-line Legion College and attended the Department Legion College within 5 years of the application submission.
- Must have attended a full cycle of Department Conventions. (Fall, Mid-Winter and Department)
- More recently served is encouraged
- Participation at District, Division or Dept level committees
- Endorsement by District Commander
UPCOMING TRAINING EVENTS