SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION

Resources for Post Leadership

These resources are designed specifically for:

💼

Quartermasters

Financial officers

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Adjutants

Administrative officers

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Trustees

Board members

Commanders

Post leaders

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Trustee Audit Form

Essential form for trustees to conduct proper audits of Post finances and records. This standardized form ensures compliance with VFW regulations and best practices for financial oversight.

Download Form
📘

Quartermaster & Trustee Handbook

Comprehensive guide covering VFW policies, procedures, and leadership principles. An essential resource for Quartermasters and Trustees seeking to lead effectively and uphold VFW standards.

View Handbook
🏆

All-State Guide 2025-2026

Detailed guidance for achieving All-State recognition, including criteria for Post Commanders and District Commanders. Essential for Posts pursuing excellence.

Access Guide
👥

National Membership Program

Complete guide to the VFW National Membership Program for 2025-2026, including All-American criteria, recruiting awards, and membership growth strategies.

View Program

All-State Criteria 2025-2026

Post Commander Criteria (Judging June 1, 2026)

  • Membership: Post must achieve at least 101% membership by June 30, 2026. Top recruiter receives $250, first Post and District receive $150.
  • District Meetings: At least one Command representative (Commander, Sr. Vice, or Jr. Vice) must attend each District meeting.
  • Bonding & Audits: Quartermaster and accountable officers bonded by September 1. All trustee audits filed by deadline with three trustee signatures. Bond must exceed total assets.
  • Membership Drives: Conduct at least two membership drives and report in community service under "Required Activities."
  • New Members: Commander must welcome two new members and report membership numbers to Department Quartermaster by email before June 1.
  • Inspection: Post must be satisfactorily inspected with report on file with Department Inspector by January 31, 2026.
  • Form 990: Must be verified on Inspection Report and submitted to Department Quartermaster by December 31.
  • Post Election: Post-Election Report must be completed and submitted before June 1, 2026.
  • School of Instruction: Post Commander (or Sr/Jr Vice), Quartermaster, and a Trustee must attend.
  • Conferences: Post Commander (or Sr/Jr Vice) must attend Department Mid-Winter Conference and Department Convention.
  • Youth Programs: Submit entries for Voice of Democracy, Patriots Pen, and National Citizenship Education Teachers Award (one of three levels: K-5, 6-8, 9-12).
  • Buddy Poppy: Purchase minimum of three times Post membership (min. 500 poppies). Report under "Required Activities."
  • Public Servant Awards: Submit three of the following: Police Officer, Firefighter, EMT, Dispatcher, EOD, K-9.
  • Loyalty Day: Hold Loyalty Day Ceremony as reported under "Required Activities."
  • POW/MIA: Hold POW/MIA ceremony under "Required Activities."
  • Day of Service: Host Day of Service event during first two weeks of May.
  • VMS Donation: Donate $125 (min. $1125 for All-American eligibility) processed through VFW National V&MS by May 15, 2026.
  • Service Officer: Donate $1.00 per member to State Quartermaster by May 15, 2026.
  • Community Service: Report at least 4 hours per month (July-June) through community service report and social media.
All criteria must be completed for All-State eligibility. Each All-State Post Commander and Quartermaster will receive a cap, lapel pin, and Post certificate.

District Commander Criteria (Judging June 1, 2026)

  • Membership: District must achieve 101% membership by June 30, 2026. MEMSTATS determines all membership criteria.
  • Council Meetings: Attend or send representative (Commander, Sr. Vice, or Jr. Vice) to each Council of Administration meeting.
  • Bonding: Quartermaster and Accountable Officers must be bonded by September 1, 2025.
  • Audits: All trustee audits on file at Department Headquarters by deadline with three trustee signatures.
  • Membership Drives: Conduct at least two membership drives.
  • New Members: District Commander must welcome four new members. Email membership numbers to Department Quartermaster before June 1.
  • Inspection: District must be satisfactorily inspected with report on file with Department Inspector by January 31, 2026.
  • Form 990: District 990s verified on Inspection Report and submitted to Department Quartermaster by December 31, 2025.
  • Election Report: District Election Report completed and submitted before June 1, 2025.
  • Appointments: Provide appointments for Service Officer, VOD/Patriots Pen/Teachers Award Chairs, Membership Chair, and VMS Chair by September 1, 2025.
  • Community Service: Submit at least 4 hours monthly on department dashboard and through social media.
All criteria must be completed for All-State eligibility. Each All-State District Commander and Quartermaster will receive a cap, lapel pin, and District certificate.

Department Headquarters

📍 Address

1231 Carmichael Way

Montgomery, AL 36106

📞 Phone

334-270-8399

Hours:
Monday - Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

📧 Email

For questions about School of Instruction resources or to request assistance:

vfw@alvfw.org

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