Large Majorities in Both Parties Say NATO Is Good for the U.S.
As the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) celebrates its 70th anniversary this month, Americans overwhelmingly say being a member of NATO is beneficial for the United States.
Americans divided over decision to withdraw from Syria
Overall, 43% of Americans say withdrawing American troops from Syria would be the right decision, while 45% say it would not.
After 17 years of war in Afghanistan, more say U.S. has failed than succeeded in achieving its goals
About half of U.S. adults say the country's mission in Afghanistan has mostly failed in achieving its goals, while about a third say it has mostly succeeded.
Trust in the military exceeds trust in other institutions in Western Europe and U.S.
Large majorities in eight Western European countries trust the military, ranging from 84% in France to 66% in Spain. Similarly, eight-in-ten Americans have confidence in the military.
Americans are split on the principle of pre-emptive military force
Half of Americans say using military force against countries that may seriously threaten the U.S. – but have not attacked it – can often or sometimes be justified.
U.S. active-duty military presence overseas is at its smallest in decades
The number of active-duty U.S. military troops stationed overseas has dipped below 200,000 for the first time in at least 60 years.
John Kelly’s military background is unusual for a White House chief of staff
John Kelly is the first chief of staff in more than four decades to come from the upper ranks of the military, and unlike most of his predecessors he has no prior work experience in the White House or campaign politics.
U.S. veterans are generally supportive of Trump
U.S. veterans, who broadly supported Donald Trump in the 2016 election, have remained positive about the job he is doing as president.
6 facts about the U.S. military and its changing demographics
The demographic makeup of the country's active-duty force has changed over time, and those changes tend to reflect trends in the broader society.
Tillerson would be first secretary of state without military or government experience
At least four secretaries of state previously worked as top executives for large private-sector companies.
