The Military Order of the World Wars’ (MOWW) founding resulted from General of the Armies John J. Pershing’s request that his officers continue serving America after their active military service ended following World War I. Since MOWW’s establishment in 1919, MOWW members ("Companions") have lived by the Military Order's motto, “It is nobler to serve than to be served.”

MOWW serves America’s youth by hosting Youth Leadership Conference (YLC) programs throughout the United States—many at little or no cost to high school students attending. These students receive patriotic education on leadership in a free society, free enterprise system concepts, principles of democracy, the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and civic responsibilities associated with preserving American rights and freedoms. Students also develop speaking, writing and leadership skills, which contributes to them being better citizens and future leaders. MOWW’s YLC curriculum satisfies the National Association of Secondary School Principals' (NASSP) academic and program requirements.

MOWW also sponsors awards programs for Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and Junior ROTC cadets (JROTC), the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and the Girl Scouts of the USA (GS-USA). Additionally, MOWW formally honors those who excel in the national security, homeland security, and law and order arenas. Finally, MOWW hosts “Massing of Colors” ceremonies in conjunction with Flag Day, the Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

MOWW does these things and more in partnership with many organizations. These organizations include, but are not limited to, the Pershing Rifles Group, the National Society of Pershing Rifles, ROTC and Junior ROTC elements of the United States Armed Forces, the Boy Scouts of America, the Girl Scouts of the USA, the National Sojourners, the Joe Foss Institute, and the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.