Military and Veterans

Fact TankOctober 5, 2018

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.

Fact TankSeptember 4, 2018

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.

Fact TankNovember 28, 2017

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.

Fact TankNovember 10, 2017

There were around 20.4 million U.S. veterans in 2016, representing less than 10% of the total U.S. adult population. Read key findings about U.S. veterans.

Fact TankAugust 22, 2017

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.

Fact TankAugust 10, 2017

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.

Fact TankMay 26, 2017

U.S. veterans, who broadly supported Donald Trump in the 2016 election, have remained positive about the job he is doing as president.

Fact TankApril 13, 2017

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.

Fact TankDecember 29, 2016

At least four secretaries of state previously worked as top executives for large private-sector companies.

Fact TankNovember 11, 2016

The share of the population with military experience – counting those who are on active duty or were in the past – has fallen by almost half since 1980.

Military and Veterans

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