Do you feel pressured into joining your organization's professional associations?

I joined the VFW and the Marine Corps League. It's hard to find organizations that try to bring in the younger veterans. Since we don't have the time and they don't seem like they want to deal with us.

I felt pressured earlier in my career but when I look back now I am glad I joined these organizations. I try to bring my lessons learned with me and invite these organizations to participate in our activities - you'd be surprised at the support they will show (outside of being the voice), for instance redeployment ceremonies - most are ready and willing to jump at the opportunity to help welcome our heroes back home.

I have definitely felt some pressure. As I got older, I learned more about what the organizations actually do, and how they benefit the military, and I only looked more seriously into joining them later because of that. I think that if more was explained as to the benefits of the organization, instead of a more brute force "this is an organization - you should join it because it's what you're supposed to do" - then we would see more people joining and paying dues.