Military Women: By the Numbers

Women veterans represent the fastest-growing segment of the veteran population, yet their contributions and unique needs often remain under-recognized. As military women transition to civilian life, understanding the scope and diversity of this community becomes crucial for providing appropriate support and resources.

The landscape of military service has transformed dramatically over the past two decades. According to the VA, women who once comprised just 4% of the veteran population in 2000 are projected to reach 18% by 2040. This remarkable shift reflects not only changing military policies but also the growing recognition of women’s vital role in our nation’s defense.

These statistics tell a powerful story of service, sacrifice, and the evolving face of America’s military. For women veterans and their families seeking support, these numbers also highlight the importance of accessing specialized resources designed to meet their unique challenges and experiences.

The Current Landscape of Women in Military Service

More than 2 million women veterans live in the United States today, marking an unprecedented milestone in military history. This substantial population represents diverse backgrounds, experiences, and service branches, each bringing unique perspectives shaped by both their gender and their military service. While women serve in all service branches, they are most likely to serve in the Army (31%) and less likely to serve in the Marine Corps (7%)

Statistics about military women also reveal a remarkably diverse population with nearly 43% of active duty women representing a racial or ethnic minority, compared to 29% of active duty men.

Active duty women are also more slightly more likely to be college educated (29%) compared to their male counterparts (22%), bringing valuable skills and perspectives to military operations and leadership roles.

Family Life and Military Service

Military service presents unique challenges for women, particularly regarding family responsibilities. Among members with children, active duty women are more likely to be single parents (28%) compared to active duty men (8%). The children of active duty military women tend to be young, with an average age of just 7 years old.

Marriage patterns among military women also differ from their male colleagues. Approximately 45% of active duty women are married, slightly lower than their male counter parts (51%). However, military women are much more likely to be in a dual military marriage (45% compared to 8.5% of active duty men) and face higher divorce rates (almost 10% are divorced compared to 4% of active duty men).

The demands of military life create additional stress for military families. According to a 2020 Status of Forces Survey of Active Duty Members, active duty women deployed an average of 1.6 times over five years, with 39% of these deployments to combat zones. Additionally, 66% made permanent change of station (PCS) moves during this period.

Suicide Rates and Risk Factors

Suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death among active duty military women and veteran women ages 18-34. Age-adjusted suicide rates for veteran women are 92% higher than non-veteran women.

Additionally, rates of lifetime suicidal ideation and suicide attempts are significantly higher for veteran women compared to veteran men, indicating gender-specific risk factors that require targeted intervention.

Firearms are the most common means of suicide death among both active duty and veteran women and in general, veterans are more likely to die by suicide via firearm compared to civilian counterparts. However, this is particularly pronounced for women veterans who die by firearm suicide at a rate 144% higher than their civilian peers, compared to a 70% difference among men.

Military sexual trauma (MST) and intimate partner violence (IPV)rates remain tragically high among military-affiliated women (1 in 3 women report MST compared to 1 in 50 men; approximately 1 in 5 women veterans report past year IPV). These experiences create lasting impacts that extend far beyond active duty service.

Women who have experienced interpersonal violence face increased risks for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. They are also more likely to own firearms for self-protection and may develop beliefs related to mistrust or betrayal that can impact their receptiveness to lethal means counseling and other critical interventions.

Supporting Our Women Veterans Moving Forward

Understanding these numbers is just the first step.

These statistics highlight the remarkable contributions of women in military service and the urgent need for specialized, comprehensive support. As the population of women veterans continues to grow, so does the call for resources tailored to their experiences— especially addressing the increased risk of women veterans suicide.

Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) is committed to meeting these needs. Women make up 32% of CVN’s veteran and active duty clients—more than twice the national average. This demonstrates not only the demand for specialized care, but also CVN’s dedication to delivering meaningful, effective support.

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