The Department of Defense recently published its annual “Demographics Profile of the Military Community,” offering a comprehensive overview of the men and women serving in the active duty, National Guard, and Reserve forces, as well as insights into their families.

The latest profile was created from data collected in 2023. Some key findings include:

1. Decline in Total Force Numbers: The active duty and selected reserve population decreased by 37,025 personnel compared to 2022.
2. Lower Separation Rates: The percentage of personnel separating from the active duty military decreased by 7.4%, and the selected reserve saw a 41.2% reduction in separations.
3. Slight Increase in Female Representation: Women now make up 17.7% of the active duty force, a slight increase from 17.5% in 2022. Over the years, the ratio of female to male service members has significantly improved, from 1 to 5.8 in 2005 to 1 to 4.6 in 2023.
4. Higher Educational Attainment: The education levels of active-duty enlisted service members have risen since 2010, reflecting an increasingly skilled and qualified force.
5. Changing Officer-to-Enlisted Ratio: In 2005, there were 5.1 enlisted members for every officer. By 2023, this ratio had shifted to 4.4 enlisted members per officer, indicating a relative increase in the number of officers over time.

By analyzing trends in the military’s composition, the report helps identify shifts in demographics and service needs, enabling informed decision-making across various levels of military and civilian support systems.

The tradition of releasing military demographic profiles dates back decades, with hardcopy reports maintained since 1999. In 2019, the DOD transitioned to an online, interactive format, enhancing accessibility and usability. Reports from 2017 onward are available on the MilitaryOneSource website, underscoring the DOD’s commitment to transparency and engagement with the broader community.

More details from the 2023 report include:

78.5% of active-duty members are male, while 21.5% are female.

Average age is 28.2 years for enlisted personnel and 34.0 years for officers.

30.8% of identify with racial minority groups, and 17.4% are Hispanic or Latino.

65.6% of enlisted personnel have a high school diploma, GED, or some college education.

42.5% of officers hold a bachelor’s degree.

51.6% have an advanced degree.

Check out  the full report here: 2023 Demographics Profile of the Military Community.