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Gen. Joseph M. Martin, U.S. Army Vice Chief of Staff, enlists, promotes, and re-enlists more than 185 service members at the New York Jets’ "Salute to Service" game played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. on Nov. 14, 2021. Photo: Edward Shevlin

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While the overall size and racial diversity of our military remained steady, the number of women serving in the active duty force, both enlisted and officers has grown slightly, according to the newly released 2020 Demographics Profile of the Military Community report.

Current stats also show the Army leads with personnel at 36.1 percent of the strength, 14.3 percent have their bachelor's degree, 45 percent are 25 years old and below, and 4.9% serve in Washington state.

As for family life, 46.1 percent of active duty military are married, 4.4 percent are dual-military, 35.9 percent have children, 49 percent of spouses are currently employed, and another 14 percent of spouses are seeking employment.

As for the children of active duty, 42 percent are between the ages of newborn and five years old. The average number of children per service member is two. Eleven percent of the active force are single parents.

The demographics profile of the military community is an annual report on the demographic makeup of the military community, including service members and their dependents. This year's release of official DoD data is fully interactive, enabling users to customize how they view the latest data on the military community.

"The annual demographics report provides a meaningful way to highlight the changing nature of our military. DoD remains committed to ensuring that our ranks are inclusive and reflect the country we serve," said Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr., undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.

Racial stats in the report show the current make up of the active force as:

  • 1.1% Native American or Alaskan Native.
  • 4.8% Asian.
  • 17.2% Black or African American.
  • 1.2% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.
  • 68.9% White.
  • 3% Multi-Racial.
  • 3.9% Unknown/Other.

Data highlighted in the report includes information from all services, including gender, race, age, education, family members, pay grades and other important facts. The 2020 report's interactive dashboard allows users to view the data by various criteria, such as service branch, gender, pay grade and state of current residence.

"Many policymakers and research organizations - really, all organizations that contribute to the military community - rely on this report to support recommendations that impact programs and policies for our service members and their families," said deputy assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy, Mrs. Patricia "Patty" Montes Barron. "The information in the report ultimately highlights our diversity and supports the well-being of the military community."

The annual demographics report is available here: download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/MOS/Reports/2020-demographics-report.pdf.

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