In the Washington, D.C. metro area, few clubs carry the kind of institutional weight that the Army Navy Country Club does. Founded in 1924 and drawing its membership almost exclusively from active duty and retired commissioned military officers, the ANCC is not your typical private club — and its pricing structure reflects that in some genuinely surprising ways. As someone who follows the D.C. private club scene closely, I find that the Army Navy Country Club membership cost is one of the most misunderstood topics in the space, largely because it varies so dramatically depending on who you are and what rank you hold.
There are actually two distinct clubs that often get confused: the Army Navy Country Club (ANCC), a golf and country club with locations in Arlington and Fairfax, Virginia, and the Army and Navy Club (ANC), a historic city club on Farragut Square in Washington, D.C. Both serve military officers and both have their own membership structures and costs. I’ll cover both clearly.
In this article, we will tell you everything about Army Navy Country Club membership cost, initiation fees, dues, benefits, and more.
Army Navy Country Club (ANCC) – Arlington & Fairfax, VA
The ANCC is the golf-focused club, operating two campuses: the main Arlington location at 1700 Army Navy Drive near the Pentagon, and a second facility in Fairfax. Together they span more than 500 acres with 54 holes of golf — more than virtually any other private club in the entire D.C. region.
Army Navy Country Club Membership Cost
Depending on rank, the initiation fee to join the Army Navy Country Club ranges from approximately $1,200 to over $36,000 for military members, while monthly dues run between $350 and $550. For civilian members, initiation fees climb to between $56,000 and $71,000, with monthly dues starting at $300 and rising above $550 depending on age.
| Membership Type | Initiation Fee (Est.) | Monthly Dues (Est.) | Annual Cost (Est.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active Duty (2nd Lt / Ensign) | $0 – $1,200 | $150 – $350 | $1,800 – $4,200 | No fee for first-time commissioned officers |
| Active Duty (Mid-grade officers) | $1,200 – $15,000 | $300 – $450 | $3,600 – $5,400 | Based on rank |
| Retired Commissioned Officers | $15,000 – $38,850 | $350 – $550 | $4,200 – $6,600 | Fee based on retirement grade |
| Former Commissioned Officers | $38,850 | $350 – $550 | $4,200 – $6,600 | Must have 2+ years active duty |
| NCOs / Enlisted Personnel | $77,700 | $350 – $550 | $4,200 – $6,600 | Double the commissioned officer rate |
| Civilian Member | $56,000 – $75,000+ | $300 – $550 | $3,600 – $6,600 | Sponsored; WaPo reported ~$75K |
| Social Membership | ~$5,500 – $20,000 | $300 – $350 | $3,600 – $4,200 | No golf or tennis access |
| Junior Member | $0 | ~$100 | ~$1,200 | Ages 16–23; parents must be members |
Note: Figures are estimates from reported sources and member forum discussions. Contact ANCC directly at 703-521-6800 for current confirmed pricing.
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The Initiation Fee — What Makes ANCC Unique
The ANCC’s rank-based pricing structure is unlike any other private club in the country and has drawn real public attention. The initiation fee for enlisted troops and NCOs is $77,700 — double the rate charged to retired commissioned officers. This unusual inversion — where lower-ranking service members pay more than higher-ranking ones — generated significant controversy when it surfaced publicly.
Former commissioned officers pay an initiation fee of $38,850, while non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel face a fee of $77,700.
On the other end of the spectrum, first-time commissioned officers on active duty serving in the lowest rank of their service who have an active duty commitment of at least two years may be elected to membership without payment of an initiation fee — making it essentially free to join right out of commissioning.
The smart move, if you’re eligible, is to join early. The no-fee window closes after your first year of commissioning.
What’s Included in ANCC Membership
Full golf members at both the Arlington and Fairfax locations get access to 54 holes across two campuses — a rare offering in the D.C. market. As a resident member, dues work out to around $300 per month, which is considered steep for junior officers but cheap relative to other D.C.-area private clubs.
Beyond golf, membership includes tennis courts, aquatics, fitness facilities, dining at both clubhouses, a pro shop, and access to member tournaments including men’s and women’s invitationals. Membership also provides reciprocal access to classic British clubs in the St. James and Mayfair areas of London — a genuine perk for officers who travel internationally.
Guest golf fees are posted publicly: weekday guest rates run $70 at Fairfax and $90 at Arlington, rising to $90 and $125 respectively on weekends and holidays.
Army and Navy Club (ANC) – Washington, D.C.
The Army and Navy Club is an entirely separate organization from the ANCC. Located at 901 17th Street NW on Farragut Square, it is a city club — think fine dining, hotel rooms, a historic library, and social events rather than golf courses. The ANC has been awarded Platinum Club status and in 2022 received the Distinguished Club Award’s highest “ICONIC” designation from BoardRoom Magazine in partnership with Forbes Travel Guide.
ANC Membership Cost (Washington, D.C.)
The Army and Navy Club DC membership cost is dramatically more accessible than the country club. Every MOAA Life member receives a significantly reduced initiation fee of just $100. For non-MOAA applicants, the standard initiation fee is higher but still considered reasonable for a D.C. city club of this caliber — estimated in the low thousands for military officers.
| Membership Type | Initiation Fee (Est.) | Annual Dues (Est.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Military Officer (MOAA Life Member) | $100 | ~$1,440 – $2,400 | Reduced initiation; full clubhouse access |
| Military Officer (Standard) | $500 – $3,000 | ~$1,440 – $2,400 | Active/retired officers of all branches |
| Civilian / Associate | $3,000 – $6,000 | ~$1,800 – $3,000 | Must be prominent in profession or community |
The ANC has over 5,000 members, the majority of whom are active duty and retired military officers from all armed service branches. The club also welcomes civilians who share an interest in the military or who are prominent in their profession or community.
Membership at the ANC grants access to reciprocal clubs in cities including New York, London, Paris, Stockholm, and Hong Kong, as well as clubs in Argentina, Chile, Japan, Thailand, and South Korea. For a frequently traveling officer, this alone can justify the cost.
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ANCC Reviews: What Members Say
Community discussions about the ANCC are broadly positive for golfers. Members consistently note it’s a good hedge for junior officers who love golf, but describe it as primarily a destination for O-5 and above who are lining up post-retirement careers in government service or contracting. The courses are well-regarded and the 54-hole access across Arlington and Fairfax is a standout feature.
The enlisted fee controversy is the most cited negative — and it’s a real one worth being aware of before applying.
How to Join Army Navy Country Club Membership
If you’re thinking about joining the ANCC, I’d start by verifying your eligibility and timing. If you’ve just been commissioned, joining within your first year costs nothing in initiation fees — that window is genuinely worth acting on. For retired or former officers, the fee is tied to your highest rank held, so apply sooner rather than later if you’re recently separated.
For the Army and Navy Club DC, an individual submits a completed application to the membership office, endorsed by two current club members. If you cannot obtain two endorsements, the Chair of the Membership Committee will arrange endorsements following a brief phone interview. Applications are reviewed monthly by the Board of Governors. You can apply by mail at 901 17th Street NW, Washington D.C. 20006, or email membership@armynavyclub.org.
For the ANCC, contact the membership office at 703-521-6800 or visit ancc.org to request a membership packet.
How to Cancel Army Navy Country Club Membership
If you ever decide to leave either club, I’d recommend reviewing your membership agreement carefully before taking any action. Both clubs typically require written notice of resignation, and the notice period can range from 30 to 90 days. For the ANCC, check whether any outstanding dues, food minimums, or capital assessments need to be cleared first — leaving with an open balance can complicate your departure. The ANC process is similarly straightforward for city club members. I’d suggest calling the membership office directly to confirm the exact steps before submitting anything in writing.
Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| ANCC Official Website | ancc.org |
| ANCC Phone (Arlington) | 703-521-6800 |
| ANCC Arlington Address | 1700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA 22202 |
| ANCC Fairfax Location | Fairfax, Virginia |
| Army and Navy Club (DC) Website | armynavyclub.org |
| ANC Phone | 202-721-2091 |
| ANC Membership Email | membership@armynavyclub.org |
| ANC Address | 901 17th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20006 |
FAQs
Q: What is the Army Navy Country Club membership cost?
A: It depends on your military rank. Active duty junior officers can join free; retired commissioned officers pay around $38,850 in initiation fees; civilians pay $56,000–$75,000+. Monthly dues run $300–$550.
Q: What is the Army Navy Country Club initiation fee?
A: It ranges from $0 for newly commissioned officers to $77,700 for enlisted personnel, with most retired commissioned officers falling around $38,850. Civilians are estimated at $56,000–$75,000+.
Q: What is the Army Navy Club DC membership cost?
A: MOAA Life members pay just $100 as an initiation fee. Standard military officer membership is estimated in the low thousands, with annual dues of roughly $1,440–$2,400.
Q: Is Army Navy Country Club worth it based on Reddit and member reviews?
A: For golfers, especially junior officers who join free, it’s widely considered one of the best deals in the D.C. area — 54 holes across two courses at reasonable dues. For non-golfers or civilians, the value case is weaker.
Q: What is the Army Navy Country Club Fairfax vs Arlington membership cost?
A: Both locations are covered under the same membership. Guest and cart fees are slightly lower at Fairfax than Arlington, but member dues are the same regardless of which campus you use.