Does anyone know where to find recent statistics about high school grads who choose to go into the military? I'm just curious to see how many of us make this choice. Any help would be appreciated!
Absolutely, I can provide some insight for you. However, keep in mind that numbers vary each year based on different factors, such as geopolitical situations and the economy.
The Department of Defense reports statistics on military service every year. In recent years, it's estimated that approximately 150,000 - 180,000 individuals enlist in the active-duty forces each year. 25% of these individuals are high school graduates. That equates to around 37,500 - 45,000 high school graduates enlisting in the military each year.
While a little over 1.2 million students graduate from high school each year, a small percentage (around 3.7%) immediately enlist in the military.
These numbers include individuals joining each of the five branches of the military: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. Depending on the branch, high school graduates make up different percentages of incoming service members. For instance, the Air Force has the highest proportion of high school graduates among its new enlistees, while other branches such as the Army and Marine Corps have lower rates.
Keep in mind, though, joining the military is a significant commitment and isn't the right path for everyone. It's vital to do plenty of research and consider all possible options before making such a life-changing decision.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.