[4][5] It has charitable status and its constitution states that it exists 'To promote military efficiency by encouraging mountaineering in the Army'.

The association is currently engaged in two major areas of activity which are: mountaineering and climbing competitions each of which is governed separately.

It makes grants from the AMA 'Memorial Fund' to help support individuals wishing to take part in significant mountaineering expeditions.

The first Army level sport climbing competition was organised at Bristol by Colonel Paul John Edwards on 28 April 1995.

The AMA continues to organise indoor climbing competitions and now competes annually against the Royal Navy and RAF, as well as contributing members to the Combined Services Sport Climbing team, which competes regularly against military sport climbers from other countries.