(Updated June 2022)
By Col. James Bracken, USMC (Ret)
Military officers share unique experiences, from leadership challenges to family separations to transitioning into the private sector. At Washington's Army and Navy Club (ANC), most members can relate to these experiences. The club understands what its members have sacrificed, and it is the ANC's mission to give back and contribute the best way they know how: by serving those who have served. The club's governance and executive leadership are focused on helping members further their careers, building networks and relationships by connecting generations who share a rich military history and belong to the same distinguished community.
In December 1885, seven Army, Navy, and Marine Corps veterans of the Mexican and Civil wars gathered in a Hofbrauhaus and started what was then called the United Services Club, with the purpose of creating a venue for military officers to share stories, ideas, and experiences with each other. Today, the club is listed as a Platinum Club of America and is among the top 50 private city clubs in the nation.
Let's be clear: This isn't your grandfather's officers club. While the traditions and camaraderie are still very much present, the ANC has evolved into a modern version of an upscale officers' club, with healthy, contemporary dining at moderate prices. It offers fine and casual dining as well as 32 hotel rooms, fitness facilities, and an array of banquet rooms members can rent for private events.
Courtesy of the Army and Navy Club
Benefits of Membership
The club's historic bar, the Daiquiri Lounge, gets its name from the iconic cocktail brought to the club from Cuba by Adm. Lucius Johnson. Every June, the club celebrates Admiral Johnson's birthday with a daiquiri party to commemorate his contribution to club lore.
Members take enormous pride in the club's extensive library - said to be one of the largest private collections of military literature in the country. Most of the books and artwork in the club's collection were donated by members.
ANC membership includes reciprocal agreements with other renowned private clubs, such as the Union League of Philadelphia, the New York Athletic Club, and the Washington Athletic Club in Seattle.
The ANC has an active events calendar. Throughout the year, the club's staff plans and executes over 100 events for the membership, ranging from wine and liquor tastings to traditional mess nights, from holiday brunches and buffets to fashion events.
Authors participating in the club's monthly book forum series have included former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, novelist David Baldacci, and ABC News reporter Martha Raddatz.
With many club members living or working outside of the D.C. area, the club has begun filming a selection of book forums for members to view on its website. The club also maintains accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where members can connect not only with the club, but with one another. And at the end of the day, that's what it's all about: connection.
Courtesy of the Army and Navy Club
ANC Initiation Fees Significantly Reduced for MOAA Life Members
As an added benefit of MOAA Life membership, initiation fees to join the Army and Navy Club (ANC) are reduced to $100.
Regular ANC membership is open to currently serving or former officers of all branches of the armed forces. The club also offers a limited number of associate memberships to people who are either associated with the military profession or prominent in the community. Special membership categories also exist for survivors of officers and former members.
Club dues range from $32 a month for newly commissioned officers to $158 a month for resident associate members. Resident members (those who live or work within 30 miles of the club) have a $100-a-quarter minimum charge for food and beverages.
Visit www.armynavyclub.org for more details.