Inside Operations of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club Revealed
In the world of outlaw biker gangs, the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC) stands as one of the most notorious. This article offers a clear and straightforward look at the process of becoming a full member, as well as some key facts about the club's membership standards and internal terminology.
The journey to full membership in the HAMC is a long and structured one, consisting of several stages:
- Hang-around: A candidate is invited to some club events or gatherings to get to know the members.
- Associate: After showing interest, the candidate may be classified as an associate, often for one to two years, participating more closely but without formal membership.
- Prospect: The next phase is becoming a prospect, where the candidate participates in more activities but still without voting rights. Prospects must meet requirements such as having a valid driver's license and owning a motorcycle over 750cc, typically a U.S.-built Harley-Davidson or other American brands.
- Full member (full-patch): After passing vetting, proving loyalty, and being voted in by the club, the prospect receives full membership status. Full members wear the complete four-piece patch, which includes the "Death Head" insignia, a top rocker with "Hells Angels," a bottom rocker indicating their territory, and an "MC" patch.
Membership in the HAMC comes with stringent standards. The club does not accept child molesters, police applicants, or intravenous drug users. Loyalty and trust within the brotherhood are paramount, and membership is for life.
Regarding the term "HAMC" and the number "81":
- HAMC stands for Hells Angels Motorcycle Club or Hells Angels Motorcycle Corporation, the club's official name in the U.S. and Canada. It identifies the organization formally and in documents.
- The number "81" is a coded reference to "H.A.," where 8 represents the eighth letter of the alphabet (H) and 1 the first letter (A). Members often use "81" as a shorthand or nickname for the club. The club is also colloquially called "Red & White" from the colors of its patches, and "H.A."
In summary, the structured progression from hang-around to prospect to full member ensures thorough vetting and commitment. The terms "HAMC" and "81" are key symbols and codes used internally and externally to refer to the club and its identity. It's important to note that the HAMC requires a prospective member to have a valid driver's license, and the club is globally recognized by law-enforcement officials as an "outlaw" biker gang. The club's reputation as a dangerous group is well-known, but the actual level of danger may be debated.
- Similarly to the structured progression in the HAMC, one might imagine a different journey for an individual aspiring to join a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) league, starting as a trainee, progressing to a prospect, and finally earning the title of full-fledged MMA athlete.
- In the realm of sports history, the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC) has had a parallel existence, with its "81" code serving as a unique identifier, much like how an athlete's jersey number can symbolize their stature in sports lore.
