Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association

Introduction

The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) is a U.S. nonprofit membership association serving the military, government, industry, and academia. AFCEA provides a forum for advancing professional knowledge and relationships in the fields of communications, information technology, intelligence, and global security.

History

AFCEA was established in 1946 as the Army Signal Association. It evolved over the years, changing its name to the Armed Forces Communications Association in 1947 and to the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association in 1954. In 1979, AFCEA became international with chapters in Europe, Asia, and Canada. On October 1, 2018, the organization's name was shortened to AFCEA International.

Purpose and Activities

AFCEA's primary purpose is to facilitate the ethical exchange of information and increase knowledge relevant to its members. It achieves this through networking opportunities, educational programs, and leadership development. AFCEA hosts conferences, publishes magazines and newsletters, and supports local chapters globally.

Membership and Structure

AFCEA has more than 30,000 members worldwide, comprising military personnel, government civilians, retired military members, and industry professionals. The organization supports STEM education through scholarships and grants, promoting career development in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

Education and Scholarships

In partnership with the AFCEA Educational Foundation, the association provides approximately $2 million annually in scholarships, grants, and awards to students studying STEM fields, ROTC cadets, and military personnel pursuing higher education.

Professional Development

AFCEA offers a range of continuing education programs and technical training courses. These programs are designed to support professional development and certification maintenance in fields such as cybersecurity.

Local Chapters

AFCEA has numerous local chapters, including large chapters like AFCEA NOVA, which hosts events and networking opportunities for its members near the Pentagon and Washington, D.C. These chapters provide a platform for members to engage in discussions on policy, technology, and strategic initiatives.

Publications

AFCEA publishes SIGNAL magazine, a monthly international news publication focused on information technology and intelligence issues relevant to government, military, and industry professionals. Additionally, AFCEA publishes SIGNAL Connections, a monthly online newsletter delivered to members.