Association Mission Statement

The Commando Association was formed to ensure that the unique spirit, tradition and camaraderie of the Commandos do not fade but are kept alive, for present and future generations. The title "Commando Association" does not refer to war veterans, but to all Commandos, serving and retired, veterans of the Green beret.

Like all Forces personnel, former and serving Commandos rely on their family and friends for support. This is especially true for those returning having seen active service. Therefore the Commando Association encourages family and friends of Commandos to apply for Associate membership and continue this support through the work of the Association.


CONSTITUTION of the COMMANDO ASSOCIATION
1. The title of the Association shall be the’ Commando Association’, short name ‘ CA’.

2. Address CA HQ, 2 Westbrook Green, West Side, North Littleton, Evesham, WR11 8QP England.

3. Definition
3.1 The CA shall mean the Commando Association.
3.2 The President shall mean the President of the CA.
3.3 The Chairman shall mean the Chairman of the CA.
3.4 The Officers shall mean the Officers of the CA.
3.5 The Committee shall mean the Committee of the CA.
3.6 The Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall mean the AGM of the CA.

4. Aims and Objectives of the CA
4.1 Maintain comradeship and esprit de corps between members of the CA and to promote fellowship between serving Commandos, Veterans, their families, and friends of the Commandos.
4.2 To carry forward the history of the Army Commandos, alongside that of the Royal Marines Commandos and other Commando Associations.
4.3 Assist in forming new Branches and to promote and maintain contact between existing branches
4.4 Arrange a Reunion, an AGM and other meetings as required.
4.5 Promote opportunities for members to contribute to the development of the CA.
4.6 Contact those members in need and help wherever possible.
4.7 The CA shall be and remain Non-Political.

5. Membership of the CA
5.1 Membership titles of the CA are as follows: Founder Member, Full Member, Associate Member and Honorary Member.
5.2 Full membership of the CA shall be open to all ranks/ratings that have earned the coveted Green Beret and have served or are serving in the Commandos.
5.3 Associate membership shall be open to families and friends of Commandos if sponsored by one FULL member.
5.4 Honorary membership can be bestowed upon Full or Associate member if proposed by two full members, the final decision being that of the Committee. Honorary Associate members have no voting rights.
5.5 In the event of a discreditable act by any Member of the CA, the Committee will investigate and if justified, the offending Member may be expelled from the CA. This action can also be taken against any member of the CA Committee who fail in their duties, discredits their position, acts without approved authority (where required), or fails to follow directives as laid down by the Chairman and Standing Committee. Their removal would be subject to a vote of “No Confidence” from the majority of the Committee with the Chairman holding the casting vote if required.
 
6. Governance of the CA
6.1 The supreme governing body of the CA shall be the AGM.
6.2 There shall be a Committee which shall conduct the financial and general affairs of the CA subject to any direction from the AGM. The committee must follow the aims and objectives laid down and it must democratically represent the membership group for which it is established, acting in the best interest and for the good and benefit of the CA members.
6.3 A Committee of at least the following elected Officers will be required to be voted in at the AGM:
. Chairman
. Secretary and Assistant Secretary
. Treasurer/Membership Secretary
. Up to 5 x Members
. Merchandise Member, Historical Archives Member. Museum Member. Associate Members Representative, CA photographer, Welfare Representative, National Standard Bearer. Arboretum Representative, Area representatives for: Scotland, South West, South, Midlands and North.

6.4 Elected members will normally serve for a minimum period of one year.
6.5 Elected Associate members who have been elected to the standing committee will have full voting rights during their one year’s tenure.
6.6 The Committee shall meet at least once a year for an AGM, where all CA members are invited to attend.
6.7 The powers of the Committee shall be to determine the policy whereby the aims and objectives of the CA may be achieved, subject to direction by an AGM.
6.8 Any member of the CA may be co-opted to service on sub-committees or to deal with items of business.

7. Officers
The Officers of the CA are the President, Chairman, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer/Membership secretary and its Committee Members.
7.1 President is an honorary title conferred by invite. The President of the CA should hold office for one year. They are to be active and advise the Committee when needed. At the expiration of office, the President is eligible for re-invitation.
7.3 The Chairman shall be elected from among the members of the CA and should hold office for one year. At the expiration of office, the Chairman is eligible for immediate re-election.
7.4 The Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer/Membership Secretary and Committee members shall be elected from among the members of the CA and should hold office for one year.
7.5 Treasurer/Membership Secretary can be the same elected member.
7.6 Committee Officers, who are full members, shall deputise for the Chairman if required.
7.7 Members can be asked to assist the Committee as volunteers if required.

8. General Meetings
8.1 The supreme governing body of the CA shall be the AGM subject to statutory duties placed on Officers and the Committee.
8.2 An AGM shall be summoned at least once in every year and at such other times as the CA shall determine, these will be termed as extra-ordinary meeting ( EGM).
8.3 An EGM may be called by the Chairman and can also be called on written request to the Secretary of at least TEN members of the CA.
8.4 The quorum for the AGM or any meeting shall be FIFTEEN members (including Standing Committee). In the event of the quorum not being achieved, the meeting may discuss the agenda and advise the Standing Committee. Power to determine any matter on the agenda shall be the responsibility of the Standing Committee.

9. Financial Control
9.1 The Chairman shall be responsible for ensuring that proper accounts and records of all CA income and expenditure are maintained by the Treasurer.
9.2 A Balance of the CA account shall be produced for the AGM agenda and be available at the AGM for the members. The CA account is to be audited at least once in the financial year.
9.2 The Treasurer is authorised for expenditure of up to £250, for any expenditure above this limit authority must be sought from the Chairman and Secretary.
9.3 A financial limit of £50 will be applied to all proposals from the floor made by members at the AGM. Any proposals above this £50 limit must be included in the agenda prior to the AGM.

10. Events. All events will be directed by the Chairman and co-ordinated through the Standing Committee and delegated sub-committees as required. Events include: The Annual Commando Gathering at Fort William (including annual draw/auction), and Spean Bridge Parade. The Cenotaph parade and the Service at Westminster Abbey. The St George’s Day celebrations at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The Commando Summer Service at the National Memorial Arboretum including the Annual Dinner night. Elmwood School presentation.

11. CA Support
11.1 The General Data Protection Regulations prevents the CA from providing lists of members to any outside agencies. Members’ details will only be used by the CA Committee for administration purposes, and only given to other existing CA members where permission has been granted by that member to the CA Secretary.
11.2 CA details, updates and a calendar of events will be published in the CA Dispatches Newsletter the Commando Association Facebook page, and the CVA Website.
11.3 Any additional support or information can be obtained from the CA Secretary:
CA HQ, 2 Westbrook Green, West Side, North Littleton, Evesham WR11 8QP. 
 

Date of Constitution, 25 February 2021.


Revisions
26-02-2021 Uploaded  at request of the CA National Secretary. Replaces previous Mission Statement. 
 

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