How Many Military Veterans Are There in the United States?
The United States has a long and proud history of military service, with millions of veterans serving their country over the years. The exact number of military veterans in the United States is difficult to pin down, as it can vary depending on how one defines a "veteran." However, in this article, we’ll explore the various sources of information on the number of military veterans in the United States, and provide an estimated total.
The Number of Military Veterans
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 17.8 million Americans (or about 5.6% of the U.S. adult population) are military veterans. This number includes all individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces at any time since the end of World War II. Broken down by branch of service, the numbers are as follows:
| Branch of Service | Number of Veterans |
|---|---|
| Army | 7.2 million |
| Navy | 1.8 million |
| Air Force | 1.6 million |
| Marine Corps | 800,000 |
| Coast Guard | 600,000 |
Sources of Information
The U.S. Census Bureau arrives at its estimates of military veterans by conducting surveys and analyses of administrative records, including:
- Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP): A sample of about 30,000 households, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau every year, that asks respondents about their military service history.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Data: The VA has data on individuals who receive veterans’ benefits, which is used to estimate the total number of veterans.
Other sources of information on military veterans include:
- The National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics (NCVAS), which conducts research and analysis on veteran populations, including the American Community Survey (ACS), a national sample of households that collects demographic data.
- The Pew Research Center, a non-profit organization that conducts surveys and studies on a range of topics, including the military and veterans.
- Vetstats, a data platform that provides estimates and analysis of the veteran population.
Comparison to Population Estimates
For context, the 17.8 million veterans estimate represents about 5.6% of the 331.4 million adult population of the United States. Broken down by age, the veteran population is roughly 1.5% of adults aged 65-74, 4.3% of adults aged 50-64, and 2.4% of adults under the age of 45.
Trends and Projections
According to the Pew Research Center, the percentage of veterans in the population has been steadily declining since the mid-1990s, reflecting the shrinking number of veterans from earlier eras. By 2050, it is estimated that the number of living veterans will decline to approximately 15.8 million, a decrease of 11.4% from 2020 levels.
Implications for Research and Policy
The estimate of 17.8 million military veterans in the United States has significant implications for research, policy, and social service provision. Some key areas of interest include:
- Veteran healthcare and benefits: With the number of veterans aging, the demand for healthcare services and benefits will likely increase.
- Economic contributions: Military veterans make up a disproportionate share of small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals, and their experiences and skills are highly valued in the labor market.
- Veteran advocacy and policy: Understanding the demographics and characteristics of the veteran population can inform policies and programs aimed at supporting their transitions back to civilian life.
- Community engagement and integration: Research on the veteran population can help inform efforts to integrate veterans into civilian communities, promote public awareness and understanding of their experiences, and support social service providers serving veteran populations.
Conclusion
The United States has a vast and diverse population of military veterans, with estimates suggesting around 17.8 million Americans who have served in the armed forces at some point. Understanding the number and demographics of this population is essential for developing effective policies and programs that support their unique needs and experiences. As the number of living veterans continues to decline, it is essential that researchers, policymakers, and service providers prioritize addressing the challenges faced by veterans, including access to healthcare, economic opportunities, and community integration.
