§170103. Membership
As of today
View this section as of a date
Notable points in this section's history
Latest Jul 12, 2026 NOW As originally enacted Aug 12, 199836 U.S.C. § 170103
An individual is eligible for membership in the corporation if the individual—
is a citizen of the United States;
was regularly enlisted, inducted, or commissioned, and was accepted for or on active duty, in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard of the United States or an ally of the United States;
was separated from service in the Armed Forces under conditions other than dishonorable; or
is on active duty or must continue to serve after the cessation of hostilities; and
has suffered a spinal cord injury or disease, whether or not service connected in origin.
Notes, amendments, and revision history
(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1440.)
| Historical and Revision Notes | ||
|---|---|---|
| Revised Section |
Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
| 170103 | 36:1157. | Aug. 11, 1971, Pub. L. 92–93, § 7, 85 Stat. 318. |
In clause (1), the words “citizen of the United States” are substituted for “American citizen” for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code.
Clause (3)(A) is substituted for “Service with the Armed Forces must have been terminated by discharge or separation from service under conditions other than dishonorable” to eliminate unnecessary words.
Clause (3)(B) is substituted for “Provided, however, That persons otherwise eligible for membership who are on active duty or who must continue to serve after the cessation of hostilities are also eligible for membership” to eliminate unnecessary words.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Transfer of Functions
For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.