Summary
- The U.S. military has roughly 1.3 million active-duty members
- Its branches also maintain a reserve force of about 800,000
- Both active duty and reserve troops face long-term health problems
Total Armed Services Personnel
The U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard collectively maintain a combined strength of 1.29 million active duty service members and 800,000 reserve and national guard members as of April 30, 2024. The U.S. military also employs about 800,000 civilians, giving it a total force of about 2.8 million.
Detailed Branch Analysis: U.S. Military Personnel Numbers
According to the military’s breakdown by branch, the U.S. Navy has 326,401 sailors and officers. Meanwhile, the Marine Corps counts 165,615 marines. The Air Force maintains a personnel count of 315,585. Lastly, the newest branch, the Space Force, has 9,100 members.
How Many Soldiers Does the U.S. Have?
The U.S. Army currently includes 443,730 service members. Understanding this number is crucial for assessing the Army's readiness to handle challenges both at home and abroad.
The U.S. Coast Guard
The Coast Guard, part of the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, can be transferred to operate under the Department of Defense in times of war. This allows it to align more directly with the Navy to carry out defense operations and secure the nation's waters. It currently has 40,497 active members.
Analyzing Changes in U.S. Military Size
The U.S. military has seen major drawdowns since the 1980s, likely due to adaptations in force size and capabilities to align with new strategies and technology. However, the Coast Guard and Space Force have both recorded small increases in personnel. These increases reflect the Coast Guard's vital role in maritime safety and rescue operations, and the Space Force's increasing involvement in space defense and technology initiatives.
Long-Term Health Issues for Members of the Armed Forces
The U.S. government, through its Veterans Administration (VA), is responsible for injuries and disabilities suffered by military members during their service. Many of these issues are expected based on how many people are in the U.S. military who suffer combat-related injuries.
However, since the Vietnam War, the VA has also slowly become more aware of the risks posed by toxic chemicals. During that war, service members were exposed to Agent Orange, a defoliant that causes health problems in people exposed to it.
As a result, the VA conducts a toxic exposure screening of retiring service members for exposures to dangerous substances, including:
- Radiation
- Burn pits
- Contaminated water at Camp Lejeune
- Asbestos
Service members who develop health problems due to these exposures can seek VA benefits. These substances have also been at the forefront of many product liability lawsuits, including class actions, against manufacturers. Through these legal actions, injured service members can recover damage awards and settlements.
Given how many people are in the U.S. military, both active and retired, millions could face long-term health issues. ConsumerShield helps everyone facing these problems learn about their legal rights and connect with a lawyer who can help. Contact us for a free case evaluation.
