Brush up on Legion knowledge while home

As the coronavirus is keeping many of us indoors due to a “stay at home” order, American Legion Family members have been brushing up on their Legion knowledge through the organization’s online training program.

Michele Emery, a member engagement and training coordinator at National Headquarters and administrator of the National American Legion College Facebook group, posted to the group last month that social distancing was a good time to promote The American Legion’s Basic Training program.

The online training program is an opportunity for officers, members, Legion College applicants and those who simply want to expand their knowledge of the nation’s largest veterans service organization.

Emery noted that Basic Training “checks all the boxes” of working from home, eLearning, a distraction from cabin fever and it’s free. Legion Family members have responded to her post – 215 members signed up to take the course in March, with 147 completing it.

Basic Training is available to any new or current Legionnaire or Legion Family member wishing to take the course. The course covers five topics: history and organization; Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation; National Security; Americanism; and Children & Youth. Each topic offers ways in which American Legion Family members can advance the organization’s values and services in their local communities. The course also features videos, digital photos and clickable links.

It should take approximately two hours to complete. Following a Course Conclusion step in the training program, a 40-question exam is provided. Graduates can download and print a certificate of completion and order a Basic Training Graduate pin from Emblem Sales.
Take the Basic Training course at www.legion.org/training.