Military Careers Statistics
- There are more than 4,100 different jobs in the Armed Forces.
- More than 95% of all military jobs are open to women.
- 88% of military jobs have direct civilian counterparts.
- 80% of military personnel serve in non-combat capacities.
- Over 80% of military personnel are under age 34.
- Most personnel with military careers are eligible for retirement after 20 years of service.
- The military is a force of about 2.5 million people. Over 1.4 million are active duty; 1.1 million are in the Reserves or in the Air and Army National Guards.
- Enlisted personnel make up 85% of the Armed Forces; officers make up the rest.
- There are about 38,000 people in the Coast Guard.
- There are more vehicle and machinery mechanics (170,869 in 2002) and transportation and material handlers (157,578) than combat specialists (142,260).
- Around 395,000 military personnel are stationed overseas. About 104,000 of them are in Europe.
- In 2003, 9 out of 10 recruits had high school degrees.
- Over half of all enlisted personnel have at least some college experience.
