The Army and Navy club :Nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C., the Army Navy Club stands as a bastion of tradition and camaraderie, embodying the timeless values of service, honor, and fellowship. For over a century, this exclusive institution has served as a haven for military officers, diplomats, and distinguished individuals, offering a unique blend of history, prestige, and social interaction.
With a rich heritage and an illustrious roster of members, the Army Navy Club remains a testament to the enduring spirit of the Armed Forces and a symbol of unity among those who have devoted their lives to duty.
A Glimpse into the Past:The Army and Navy club
The Army Navy Club’s roots can be traced back to the late 19th century when a group of prominent military officers, including General Philip Sheridan and Admiral David Dixon Porter, recognized the need for a private club where members of the Army and Navy could gather for relaxation and camaraderie. In 1885, the Army Navy Club was officially founded, and it soon became a prominent fixture in the nation’s capital.
One of the most significant historical moments for the club was the signing of the Treaty of Portsmouth in 1905, which brought an end to the Russo-Japanese War. Delegates from both nations, along with President Theodore Roosevelt, met at the club to negotiate this historic treaty, underlining the importance and prestige of the Army Navy Club as a diplomatic hub.
Membership and Tradition
The Army Navy Club is known for its prestigious membership. While it is primarily composed of active and retired military officers, the club also extends its membership to diplomats, business leaders, and other distinguished individuals who share a deep respect for the military and its traditions. This diverse yet exclusive membership allows for a unique blend of perspectives and experiences.
One of the most cherished traditions at the Army Navy Club is the formal Mess Night. These special dinners are steeped in military customs and etiquette, with formal toasts, speeches, and entertainment. It’s a time when members come together to celebrate their shared commitment to service and to honor the sacrifices of their fellow servicemen and women.
In addition to Mess Nights, the Army Navy Club hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including golf tournaments, lectures, and galas. These gatherings provide members with opportunities to connect, network, and engage in meaningful discussions, all while enjoying the club’s elegant and historic surroundings.
The Elegance of the Clubhouse
The Army Navy Club’s clubhouse is an architectural masterpiece that exudes an air of timeless elegance. Located on Farragut Square, the building itself is a registered historic landmark, and it reflects the classical architectural styles of the early 20th century. The meticulously maintained interior features grand ballrooms, dining rooms, and lounges, each adorned with historic artifacts and memorabilia that tell the story of the nation’s military history.
One of the most iconic spaces within the clubhouse is the Normandy Room. This room is dedicated to the memory of the D-Day landings during World War II and features an impressive mural depicting the events of that fateful day. It serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who served during that era.
Supporting Veterans and the Community
The Army Navy Club is not just a place for its members to gather and reminisce; it is also a platform for philanthropy and community engagement. The club is actively involved in supporting veterans and their families, offering scholarships and resources to those who have served our nation. Additionally, the club participates in various charitable initiatives, contributing to causes that align with its mission and values.
The Future of the Army Navy Club
As the world evolves, so too does the Army Navy Club. It continues to adapt to the changing needs and interests of its members while remaining committed to its core values. The club embraces innovation and modernity, ensuring that it remains relevant to future generations of military officers, diplomats, and leaders in various fields.
In recent years, the Army Navy Club has expanded its digital presence, allowing members to connect and engage online, as well as in person. This modern approach is essential for attracting and retaining new members while respecting the traditions and history that define the club.
Memberships & Clubs: The Army and Navy Club
The Army and Navy Club, founded on December 28, 1885, stands as the most prestigious military officers’ club in the United States. Situated at the intersection of 17th Street and I Street N.W. in Washington’s Farragut Square, it boasts a rich history and a range of amenities.
Within the Club’s historic confines, you’ll find a grand main dining room, an inviting Eagle Grill, the Daiquiri Lounge, 32 well-appointed hotel guest rooms, a splendid ballroom, versatile meeting spaces, a state-of-the-art athletic facility, and an extensive library housing one of the world’s largest private collections of military literature.
Membership in the Club not only grants access to its facilities in Washington but also extends the privilege of guest access to more than 200 of the most esteemed private clubs across the United States and around the world.
Lifelong members of MOAA (Military Officers Association of America) can benefit from a substantially discounted initiation fee of only $100.
Below, you’ll find answers to common questions about the Club and its MOAA membership benefit. If you have a question that isn’t listed, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Member Service Center at (800) 234-6622.
1. What motivates currently serving, retired, and former military officers to become members of The Army and Navy Club?
Members of the Army and Navy Club typically express a variety of reasons for their membership, which frequently revolve around a couple of key themes. One compelling factor is the club’s exclusivity, catering exclusively to officers, encompassing currently serving, retired, and former officers. It also maintains a select number of distinguished associate members recognized for their significant achievements in the realms of business or government. Additionally, members often highlight the following reasons:
- Resident members enjoy the privilege of utilizing the club for various purposes, including hosting business associates, family, and friends for lunch and dinner. They can also make use of the club’s facilities for personal and business social events, such as weddings, formal dinners, and private parties. Additionally, resident members have access to the Club’s library, business center, and athletic facilities.
- Nonresident members have the advantage of accessing the Club’s extensive facilities when visiting Washington, D.C., including the availability of 32 fully equipped hotel rooms offered at rates below those of typical metropolitan Washington hotels. Situated at Farragut Square, the Club’s location is highly convenient, within a mere two-block radius of the White House and in close proximity to government buildings. Moreover, it is well-connected to the Pentagon and Capitol Hill via the nearby Washington METRO system.
The Club extends to its members and their guests a serene, refined, and historically significant setting in the heart of Washington, D.C. Here, they can relish the companionship and camaraderie of fellow Club members, savor exquisite cuisine crafted by one of Washington’s renowned chefs, and explore the Club’s library and extensive art collection.
Furthermore, all members have the added advantage of accessing a network of exclusive reciprocal private clubs situated in major metropolitan areas worldwide whenever they are outside of Washington, D.C.
2. What are reciprocal clubs?
The Army and Navy Club boasts reciprocal agreements with over 200 clubs both in the United States and across the globe, allowing members to enjoy guest privileges. These prestigious clubs encompass a wide range of locations, including 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 in Paris, among many others.
These reciprocal clubs are strategically situated in major metropolitan hubs worldwide, and many of them offer overnight hotel accommodations for the convenience of our members. Additionally, members of these reciprocal clubs are warmly welcomed to utilize our facilities when visiting Washington, D.C. You can find a detailed list of these reciprocal clubs in the provided PDF.
3. The qualifications for membership
Regular Membership in The Army and Navy Club is open to individuals who have served or are currently serving as commissioned officers in one of the Uniformed Services of the United States. This includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or Public Health Service. If you are eligible and interested in applying for membership, you can obtain the necessary application by contacting The Army and Navy Club Membership Office at 202-721-2091 or via email at [email protected].
The application process for membership involves several steps:
- An individual completes the membership application, which can be submitted to the Club’s Membership Office by mail at 901 17th Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20006, or by fax at 202-785-2481.
- The application should ideally be endorsed by two current club members. However, if an applicant is unable to obtain these endorsements, the Chair of the Club’s Membership Committee will assist by arranging endorsements after a brief telephonic interview with the prospective member.
- Along with the application, the applicant is required to submit a check or provide credit card authorization for the first dues installment.
- The Club’s Board of Governors reviews applications monthly, and prospective members are promptly notified of the outcome. Membership dues for the first month are charged only upon approval of membership.
4. I am already a MOAA Life Member and wish to become a part of The Army and Navy Club. What are the steps I need to follow?
The Army and Navy Club extends a greatly reduced initiation fee of $100 to both new and existing MOAA LIFE Members. To join our club, kindly adhere to the following instructions:
- Fill out and send in an application for The Army and Navy Club. You can request an application by getting in touch with the Membership Office of the Army and Navy Club at 202-721-2091 or via email at [email protected]. Please remember to include your MOAA LIFE Member Number.
You can locate your membership number on your Life Membership card. Alternatively, you may contact MOAA’s Member Service Center to obtain your number. If possible, secure the endorsement of two Club members for your application. However, you can still submit your application even without the endorsements, and the Membership Department will arrange to obtain the necessary endorsements on your behalf. Send your application along with the initial dues payment to the provided address. The Club’s Board of Governors will review your application, and you can expect to receive notification within 30 days.
5. What is the billing process for Army and Navy Club members?
- All expenses accrued at the Club are recorded on the member’s Army and Navy Club account.
- Members are expected to settle all dues and charges in their entirety when they receive their monthly bill.
- For the convenience of our members, many opt to have their Club dues and monthly charges automatically billed to a credit card. The Club’s Membership Department is available to assist in making these arrangements.
6.What are The rules and regulations governing The Army and Navy Club?
- The Club’s membership has established a comprehensive set of bylaws that oversee all facets of the club’s administration and management.
- According to these bylaws, a 14-member Board of Governors, elected by regular club members, assumes responsibility for the overall business management and operations of the Club.
- The Board of Governors also grants approval for House Rules, which dictate the dress code and expected conduct of members while at the Club.
- If you wish to access copies of these governing documents, you can obtain them from the Club’s Membership Department.
If you require further information regarding The Army and Navy Club and its membership application process, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us by phone at 202-721-2091 or via email at [email protected]. We are here to assist you with any inquiries you may have.
