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Membership Terms

Last updated September 29, 2026· v1.0

The Foundation’s community has three distinct tiers that never collapse into each other. This document explains each tier and the rules that apply.

1. Ranks Participant (free)

Anyone 18+ can join Ranks (ranks.espritdcf.org) as a community participant. Ranks Participants are subject to the Terms of Service, Community Guidelines, and Ranks-specific rules.

2. Chapter Participant (free)

A Ranks Participant who joins a specific EDC Chapter. Chapters are geographic, professional, or affinity-based communities created and led by their members. Chapter Participants are subject to any additional Chapter-specific expectations approved by the Foundation.

3. EDC Member (paid, launching late 2027 or 2028)

Paid EDC Membership is a future tier for verified military-connected people (veterans, currently-serving service members, National Guard and Reserve, military spouses, dependents). Membership will be $35/year with a 60% Chapter / 40% National allocation. Full membership terms + refund policy will be published here before launch.

4. Verification

Paid Membership will require self-attested military connection. Providing false information voids Membership and any Chapter-officer eligibility.

5. Suspension + removal

Membership at any tier may be suspended or revoked for violation of these Terms, the Community Guidelines, or the Acceptable Use Policy. Removal is at the Foundation’s sole discretion. Paid-membership refunds, when applicable, will follow the Payments & Refunds Policy.