Reserve Officers Association

Reserve Officers Association
Name	Reserve Officers Association
Founded	02 October 1922
Location	Washington, D.C.
Website	https://www.roa.org

Reserve Officers Association. The Reserve Officers Association is a professional association in the United States dedicated to advocating for a strong national security and promoting the interests and readiness of the nation's Reserve components. Established in the aftermath of World War I, it serves as a unified voice for Reserve officers from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. The organization engages in legislative advocacy, provides professional development resources, and fosters camaraderie among its members to support a robust Total Force Policy.

History

The association was founded on October 2, 1922, by World War I reserve officers who recognized the critical, yet often overlooked, role of the Citizen-soldier in modern warfare. Its creation was influenced by the National Defense Act of 1920, which reorganized the Army and formally established the Officer Reserve Corps. Early leaders, including Theodore Roosevelt Jr., were instrumental in shaping its advocacy efforts. Throughout the 20th century, it was a persistent voice during key legislative milestones, such as the passage of the Reserve Forces Act of 1955 and the development of the Total Force Policy in the 1970s following the Vietnam War. The association has consistently worked to secure equitable benefits and recognition for reservists mobilized during conflicts including World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War.

Organization and structure

The association is a congressionally chartered organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., near the United States Capitol. Its governance is led by a nationally elected President and a Board of Directors, which includes representatives from each of the service branches. The structure is decentralized, with departments organized into state-level chapters and local units that align with the geographic boundaries of Army Reserve commands and Navy Reserve districts. Key operational elements include a robust legislative affairs department and the ROA Defense Education Forum, which focuses on national security research and analysis.

Mission and activities

The core mission is to support the adoption of policies that ensure the readiness and resourcing of the Reserve components as an essential element of the Total Force Policy. Primary activities include direct lobbying before the Congress and the Department of Defense, and providing testimony to committees like the House Armed Services Committee. The association organizes annual events such as the National Convention and the Mid-Winter Conference in Washington, D.C., which feature addresses by senior leaders like the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It also conducts professional development seminars and partners with organizations like the Association of the United States Army.

Membership and benefits

Membership is open to commissioned and warrant officers, both active and retired, from the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Air Force Reserve, and the Coast Guard Reserve. Benefits include access to exclusive professional networking events, career transition assistance, and discounts on services like insurance through USAA. Members receive subscriptions to the association's flagship publication, The Officer magazine, and can participate in educational programs offered by the ROA Defense Education Forum. Special membership categories exist for ROTC cadets and midshipmen.

Advocacy and legislative priorities

Legislative advocacy is a central function, focused on securing adequate funding, modern equipment, and equitable benefits for the Reserve components. Recent priorities have included advocating for the repeal of the "Redux" retirement system, supporting the annual National Defense Authorization Act, and pushing for full funding of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The association actively campaigns for laws that reduce the disparities in healthcare access between active and reserve personnel, and for policies that protect reservists' civilian employment rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.

Publications and communications

The primary publication is The Officer magazine, a monthly periodical covering national security issues, Defense Department policies, and association news. The ROA Defense Education Forum produces in-depth white papers and hosts symposiums on topics like Cybersecurity and great-power competition. The association maintains an active digital presence through its website, social media channels on platforms like Facebook, and regular electronic newsletters that provide updates on congressional actions and advocacy alerts. These communications are vital for mobilizing members to contact their representatives in the Senate and House of Representatives.

Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C. Category:Veterans' organizations in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1922