The Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW)
The Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) is a patriotic, nonpartisan, Veterans Service Organization (VSO) dedicated to promoting patriotism, civic responsibility, public service, and leadership in our nation’s communities. MOWW’s 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 Companions have lived by the Order’s motto, “It is nobler to serve than to be served.”
Youth Leadership Conference (YLC) Programs
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.
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Recognition and Awards Programs
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 & order arenas. Finally, MOWW hosts “Massing of Colors” ceremonies in conjunction with Flag Day, the Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
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MOWW Partners
MOWW partners with many like-minded organizations to achieve our common goals. 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.
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76 Chapters
The Order is comprised of 76 Chapters located throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands and organized into 10 geographic regions. These chapters serve the veterans, youth, first responders and others in the local communities via education, recognition, public speaker and community support outreach programs
Chapter Map
Membership Eligibility
MOWW membership eligibility is open to federally-commissioned, warrant or flight officers, officers and senior enlisted (E-7, E-8, E-9) who are retired, former, on active duty or members of the Reserves or the National Guard—to include active duty for training—in the Uniformed Services of the United States of America. The Uniformed Services are: the United States Army (USA), the United States Navy (USN), the United States Marine Corps (USMC) the United States Air Force (USAF), the United States Space Force (USSF), the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the United States Public Health Service (USPHS), and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Family members who are directly related to eligible officers, warrant officers and senior enlisted (E-7, E-8, E-9) within two degrees of consanguinity (i.e., spouse, son/stepson, daughter/stepdaughter, grandson/granddaughter) are also eligible as Hereditary Members.
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History of MOWW
General John J. Pershing, counseled his wartime leaders, “…May I ask that you carry home your high ideals and continue to live as you have served,” and many veteran officers sought to fulfill that request.
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MOWW Preamble
After being written by Francis Grevemberg on the train to the first MOWW Convention, the Preamble is still read at the beginning of every MOWW chapter meeting and gathering.
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HQ MOWW Contact Information
Please contact us on any topic, e.g., locating a MOWW chapter to support your ROTC or Scouting organization, the MOWW Store, becoming a Companion (member), changing chapter affiliations, etc.
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Officer Review Magazine
The Officer Review® magazine is the journal of The Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW, Inc.). Its origins go back to the National Bulletin of the Military Order of the World Wars, first published in 1921.
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