Posted on Jan 27, 2016
Only 0.45% of our population currently serves in our armed forces. Why do you think this is so?
4.25K
27
34
3
3
0
Posted in these groups: 
Service
Service
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 14
It's probably because when you take the size of the Armed Forces authorized by Congress, and then divide it by the total population, then you get a certain percentage. That number is a actually a little higher than 0.45%.
I'm not really sure if you were asking for anything else, but to increase the size of those serving, you would need to increase the size of the military, which is up to the Federal Government.
I'm not really sure if you were asking for anything else, but to increase the size of those serving, you would need to increase the size of the military, which is up to the Federal Government.
(9)
(0)
LTC Yinon Weiss
Sgt Joe LaBranche - There are about 2.2M to 2.3M people in the Armed Forces (excluding DoD civilians), and around 320M people in the US population. So that would be 0.7%. Though that isn't really fair since 23% of the population is under 18 years old and can't serve. Also, over 15% of the population is over 65 and can't serve. So when looking at just adults, the US military is a little over 1% of the population.
It's possible the recruiter was only counting active duty and not reservists. Either way, whether it's 0.5%, 0.7%, or 1.5%, it's a relatively low number. The US military can be any size our government wants it to be, it's just a matter of what our elected officials appropriate.
Reference below:
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/00000.html
It's possible the recruiter was only counting active duty and not reservists. Either way, whether it's 0.5%, 0.7%, or 1.5%, it's a relatively low number. The US military can be any size our government wants it to be, it's just a matter of what our elected officials appropriate.
Reference below:
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/00000.html
USA QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau
Frequently requested statistics for USA.
(1)
(0)
Sgt Joe LaBranche
http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/what-percentage-of-americans-have-served-in-the-military/
As of Jan. 31, there were close to 1.4 million people serving in the U.S. armed forces, according to the latest numbers from the Defense Manpower Data Center, a body of the Department of Defense. That means that 0.4 percent of the American population is active military personnel.
As of 2014, the VA estimates there were 22 million military veterans in the U.S. population. If you add their figures on veterans to the active personnel numbers mentioned above, 7.3 percent of all living Americans have served in the military at some point in their lives.
But since only 2 million veterans and about 200,000 current personnel are women, that overall percentage varies a lot by gender — 1.4 percent of all female Americans have ever served in the armed services, compared to 13.4 percent of all male Americans.
As of Jan. 31, there were close to 1.4 million people serving in the U.S. armed forces, according to the latest numbers from the Defense Manpower Data Center, a body of the Department of Defense. That means that 0.4 percent of the American population is active military personnel.
As of 2014, the VA estimates there were 22 million military veterans in the U.S. population. If you add their figures on veterans to the active personnel numbers mentioned above, 7.3 percent of all living Americans have served in the military at some point in their lives.
But since only 2 million veterans and about 200,000 current personnel are women, that overall percentage varies a lot by gender — 1.4 percent of all female Americans have ever served in the armed services, compared to 13.4 percent of all male Americans.
What Percentage Of Americans Have Served In The Military?
Dear Mona I recently heard someone throw around the statistic that only about 2 percent of all living Americans have served in the military. This seems low, and seems worth fact-checking. Ron, Navy…
(0)
(0)
LTC Yinon Weiss
Sgt Joe LaBranche - According to the DMDC link you sent, there are 1.3M people on active duty, but you forgot the 823,000 on the reserve component which serve as well. That brings the current force to 2.1M, or 0.7% of the population. Reservists regularly deploy and are serving our country in uniform. They should be included in the calculation. Though again, whether it's 0.5% or 0.7%, it's a small number. It's up to our elected representatives to determine exactly what size the US military is.
Link for reserve component strength: https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/dwp/rest/download?fileName=DRS_42486_SelRes_201511.pdf&groupName=resRankGrade
Link for reserve component strength: https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/dwp/rest/download?fileName=DRS_42486_SelRes_201511.pdf&groupName=resRankGrade
(0)
(0)
Capt Richard I P.
Then there's always the combat service metric some like to cite that cuts it down to .45%.
Good and bad sides to it, certainly a divide that exists, but good that there isn't compulsory service.
Good and bad sides to it, certainly a divide that exists, but good that there isn't compulsory service.
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
2
2
0
This Gallup poll from 2012 says 24% males and 2% of females are veterans
http://www.gallup.com/poll/158729/men-women-veterans.aspx
http://www.gallup.com/poll/158729/men-women-veterans.aspx
In U.S., 24% of Men, 2% of Women Are Veterans
On this Veterans Day, 13% of U.S. adults are veterans, including 24% of men and 2% of women. Veteran status is above 60% among men 75 and older, but no more than 12% for men younger than 35.
(2)
(0)
MSG Brad Sand
SFC (Join to see)
True...and it is four years old, so that number has dropped, and will be lower tomorrow, as we lose WWii, Korea, Vietnam veterans a lot faster than we have people joining.
True...and it is four years old, so that number has dropped, and will be lower tomorrow, as we lose WWii, Korea, Vietnam veterans a lot faster than we have people joining.
(1)
(0)
Sgt Joe LaBranche
http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/what-percentage-of-americans-have-served-in-the-military/
As of Jan. 31, there were close to 1.4 million people serving in the U.S. armed forces, according to the latest numbers from the Defense Manpower Data Center, a body of the Department of Defense. That means that 0.4 percent of the American population is active military personnel.
As of 2014, the VA estimates there were 22 million military veterans in the U.S. population. If you add their figures on veterans to the active personnel numbers mentioned above, 7.3 percent of all living Americans have served in the military at some point in their lives.
But since only 2 million veterans and about 200,000 current personnel are women, that overall percentage varies a lot by gender — 1.4 percent of all female Americans have ever served in the armed services, compared to 13.4 percent of all male Americans.
As of Jan. 31, there were close to 1.4 million people serving in the U.S. armed forces, according to the latest numbers from the Defense Manpower Data Center, a body of the Department of Defense. That means that 0.4 percent of the American population is active military personnel.
As of 2014, the VA estimates there were 22 million military veterans in the U.S. population. If you add their figures on veterans to the active personnel numbers mentioned above, 7.3 percent of all living Americans have served in the military at some point in their lives.
But since only 2 million veterans and about 200,000 current personnel are women, that overall percentage varies a lot by gender — 1.4 percent of all female Americans have ever served in the armed services, compared to 13.4 percent of all male Americans.
What Percentage Of Americans Have Served In The Military?
Dear Mona I recently heard someone throw around the statistic that only about 2 percent of all living Americans have served in the military. This seems low, and seems worth fact-checking. Ron, Navy…
(1)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
The numbers change somewhat for this new generation where we see 12% for men under the age of 35... however that is still a considerable minority. I do believe keeping that percentage above 10% is important though and that downsizing the military at this point isn't really a good idea...
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I can only speak in terms of perceptions as somebody who admires service members but never joined. I am, and always have been a very serious nerd. A book worm. I do enjoy physical activity, but not in groups. I treasure my brain. I treasure my independence of thought and movement. My *perception* is that these would be problems to fix in a military context, and not only do I not agree that they are problems, but there are ample opportunities in the private sector to operate as I wish. To overcome this, somebody would need to have come to me and said "We could use someone like you." Or better yet "We need somebody like you." But no one ever did.
I would emphasize that even if my perceptions are wrong, they are all I have to go on.
I am, however, very drawn to service toward others, and at my age well understand how much I benefit from my status as a citizen. Nor am I deluded about where U.S. Power comes from. I think it comes down to being unable to picture a successful career for myself in the military. I couldn't imagine what that would look like, and none of the presentations of military life, either in film or TV, or in recruitment materials, or from people I knew, painted a picture I wanted to be part of.
Which is interesting because I think the military would benefit from the presence of people like me, perhaps in roles not currently defined. I have a hunch that the status quo of military life is tied to assumptions no longer operable.
So I guess it's interesting to me, the way the question is phrased. I would bet more than that percentage are open to some kind of service. I would ask what kinds of service would interest new and different people. And I would ask how the military could adjust its culture, and the presentation of its culture to appeal to a wider swath. Speaking only for myself, I haven't heard that pitch.
Imagine an ad that would say to a nerd. "You, nerd. We have a place for you. You will be welcomed, appreciated, and excel. We will make you better." I've seen ads like that from the various branches, but none of them seemed aimed at me. They seemed aimed at the guy in front of me in home room who became a blue angel.
I would emphasize that even if my perceptions are wrong, they are all I have to go on.
I am, however, very drawn to service toward others, and at my age well understand how much I benefit from my status as a citizen. Nor am I deluded about where U.S. Power comes from. I think it comes down to being unable to picture a successful career for myself in the military. I couldn't imagine what that would look like, and none of the presentations of military life, either in film or TV, or in recruitment materials, or from people I knew, painted a picture I wanted to be part of.
Which is interesting because I think the military would benefit from the presence of people like me, perhaps in roles not currently defined. I have a hunch that the status quo of military life is tied to assumptions no longer operable.
So I guess it's interesting to me, the way the question is phrased. I would bet more than that percentage are open to some kind of service. I would ask what kinds of service would interest new and different people. And I would ask how the military could adjust its culture, and the presentation of its culture to appeal to a wider swath. Speaking only for myself, I haven't heard that pitch.
Imagine an ad that would say to a nerd. "You, nerd. We have a place for you. You will be welcomed, appreciated, and excel. We will make you better." I've seen ads like that from the various branches, but none of them seemed aimed at me. They seemed aimed at the guy in front of me in home room who became a blue angel.
(1)
(0)
Sgt Joe LaBranche
Andre Behrens, Have you ever spoken to a military recruiter to gain a better understanding of what is available that would appeal to your interests? The Air Force offers a wide range of career oriented jobs in technology, computers, etc. I suggest, rather than assume, you talk to military recruiters, take the tests to determine what you are best suited for and see if it anything interest you.
BTW, nothing wrong with being a nerd; you have a lot to offer!
Thank you for your input.
BTW, nothing wrong with being a nerd; you have a lot to offer!
Thank you for your input.
(0)
(0)
Andre Behrens
I should note that I am 35 years old and probably past the age of recruitment. :)
I guess my main point is, regardless of how nerd friendly the military may or hmay not be, it doesn't come across that way from outside. And I think that is true for groups beyond nerds.
I guess my main point is, regardless of how nerd friendly the military may or hmay not be, it doesn't come across that way from outside. And I think that is true for groups beyond nerds.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
The answer is simple because congress and budgets dictate the number of people in the armed forces, simple as that. Don't look for a deeper patriotic response when the number is limited by law.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I know this is a bit dated but 80% that want to serve are not up to par. Main reason (27%) is they're butterballs created by the x-box factor. Parents need to take their kids camping and engage them in an outdoor environment. I volunteered for my daughters school outdoor education program - 2 days at a camp for her 5th grade. It was very sad to see only 4 kids (two I had taken prior) hands go up when they asked them if they ever canoed before. We're talking 60+ kids.
There are many more that do want to its just that they get turned away.
http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/2014/05/14/80-of-military-recruitments-turned-down.html
There are many more that do want to its just that they get turned away.
http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/2014/05/14/80-of-military-recruitments-turned-down.html
80% of Military Recruitments Turned Down
The U.S. military has been turning down applicants in droves, and it's not just because of the drawdown.
(1)
(0)
MSG Brad Sand
SPC David S.
I think 80% is actually low, and that is of those who want to serve...which might be why I thought the number was low? There were a lot who did not want to serve because they knew they couldn't. There were also a ton who were never asked the question because the recruiter knew they were not qualified before even talking to the person.
There are a bunch who should know they cannot serve, but want to try anyway. My favorite one was the kid who walked into my office missing a hand. He got down and showed me how many he push-ups he could do. Told me about how good a shot he was with a rifle. All he wanted was a chance. Could not understand why his only having one hand would hold him back. Finally, after another demonstration of his push-up prowess, I told him to do some pull-ups. He got the message...or he went home and started practicing one handed pull-ups..because he never returned to my office while I was still there?
I think 80% is actually low, and that is of those who want to serve...which might be why I thought the number was low? There were a lot who did not want to serve because they knew they couldn't. There were also a ton who were never asked the question because the recruiter knew they were not qualified before even talking to the person.
There are a bunch who should know they cannot serve, but want to try anyway. My favorite one was the kid who walked into my office missing a hand. He got down and showed me how many he push-ups he could do. Told me about how good a shot he was with a rifle. All he wanted was a chance. Could not understand why his only having one hand would hold him back. Finally, after another demonstration of his push-up prowess, I told him to do some pull-ups. He got the message...or he went home and started practicing one handed pull-ups..because he never returned to my office while I was still there?
(0)
(0)
Sgt Joe LaBranche
Nearly 1 in 3 children (ages 2-19) in the United States is overweight or obese. The CDC reports that childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years. Obesity in children ages 6-11 increased from 7% in 1980 to 18% in 2012. Similar increases were noticed in children 12-19, which rose from 5% to 21%.
(1)
(0)
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
I think it because of parents that do not instill the pride of being an American in their children, and how awesome it is to serve our country!
(1)
(0)
0
0
0
Some people don't have the mettle, education, patriotism, guts, desire, or common sense to serve our military. Our country is large and can rely on an all volunteer force, although the wars have burnt out many of our SMs.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Manpower restrictions are certainly part of it...but it's also hard to ignore that the military at least "sounds" like less a place to advance one's self compared to earlier assumptions. Couple both with the shift in culture from service to self-gratification...and I think there's an answer.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Because my generation is full of a bunch of entitled brats. I think if we were to ever bring a draft, it would hurt more than help us.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google