When a couple in Texas or elsewhere around the country decide to end a marriage, it can be a traumatic experience. This is true for those involved. If it is a military divorce, there may be a host of additional issues to address during the process. The unique demands of military life place a significant strain on service members and their families. From long deployments to frequent moves, the pressures are unlike those in most civilian careers. A common question that arises is how these challenges affect marital stability. A closer look at divorce statistics among US military personnel reveals a complex picture.
How Do Military Divorce Rates Compare?
For years, there was a common belief that military life automatically led to higher divorce rates. However, the numbers don’t always support this. In recent years, the rate has hovered around 3% for service members, which is in line with national averages. This overall figure doesn’t tell the whole story. The rates can vary significantly based on factors like gender, rank, and branch of service. For example, female service members have historically shown a higher rate of divorce compared to their male counterparts. Additionally, enlisted personnel tend to have higher divorce rates than commissioned officers.
Trusted statistics website Gitnux states “Military divorce rates are startlingly three times higher than civilian rates, revealing a profound challenge within our armed forces that warrants urgent attention.”
Divorce Statistics from Gitnux
• The military divorce rate peaked at 3.7% in 2011 • Approximately 83% of military divorces involve service members aged 25-40 • Deployment is associated with a 30% increase in divorce risk among service members • Military spouses are 60% more likely to experience divorce than their civilian counterparts • The divorce rate among female service members is higher than that of male service members • The average duration of marriage before divorce in the military is approximately 7 years • Combat deployments significantly increase the likelihood of divorce, with rates rising by approximately 18% • Military couples experiencing frequent relocations have a 25% higher chance of divorce • The use of military family support programs correlates with a 15% reduction in divorce rates • Approximately 50% of military divorces are finalized within the first five years of marriage • The presence of children in military marriages does not significantly alter divorce likelihood • The divorce rate among Army personnel is slightly higher than other branches, at around 4%
More data points along with the full list of sources are listed here .
Divorce Statistics from the Pentagon
Married troops are divorcing at about the same rate as they have for the previous five years. This is according to data released by the Pentagon.
Since 2014 the divorce rate among troops across the services has fluctuated between 3% and 3.1%. That trend continued for 2019 according to the Pentagon data. This data measures the number of service members divorced during the fiscal year. It is measured against the number married when the fiscal year began. The data does not include Coast Guard personnel.
“The message here is ‘stability,'” said Benjamin Karney, a researcher with Rand Corp. who has long studied military divorce trends.
The divorce rate among female troops, both officer and enlisted, is historically much higher than that of their male counterparts, and that remained true in 2019.
For example, the divorce rate among female soldiers is close to triple that of their male soldiers, at 7% compared to 2.5%. In the Marine Corps.
The overall divorce rate is also higher for enlisted troops, at 3.5%, compared to the divorce rate for officers, at 1.7%, regardless of gender.
Across the services, the highest overall rate among both males and females, officer and enlisted, is tied between the Air Force and the Marine Corps at 3.3%. The rate is lowest in the Navy, at 2.8%.
That the rate has been so stable could be a sign that the various support programs fielded by services to buoy military marriages are not impacting the divorce rate, Karney said.
“Over the last 15 years the military has done a lot to try to support military families, and what we’ve seen is that families are doing the same as they’ve always done over those 15 years,” he said.
The total U.S. divorce rate, tracked by the Centers for Disease Control, is measured per 1,000 residents. It does not factor in five states including California or the District of Columbia. That rate sat at 2.9% per 1,000 population in 2018, the latest year for which information is available. See the full article here
The statistics are influenced by a set of pressures unique to military life. These challenges can strain even the strongest relationships:
Deployments:
Long periods of separation are a major stressor. The spouse at home manages the household alone, while the deployed service member faces the pressures of their mission. Reintegration after a deployment can also be difficult as families readjust to being together.
Frequent Relocations:
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves happen every few years. This constant upheaval can make it hard for spouses to maintain careers, for children to settle into schools, and for families to build a stable community support system.
High-Stress Environment:
The demanding and often dangerous nature of military work can lead to stress, PTSD, and other mental health challenges. These issues impact a marriage significantly. The “mission first” culture can also make it difficult for service members to prioritize family life.
While the differences are not always dramatic, some trends appear across the branches. Historically, branches with higher operational tempos and longer deployments, such as the Army and Marine Corps, have sometimes seen slightly higher divorce rates. Compare this to the Air Force or Navy. However, these figures fluctuate annually depending on deployment cycles and other operational demands.
Support for Military Families
Recognizing these unique pressures, the Department of Defense and various non-profit organizations offer a wide range of resources to support military couples. Programs are available on nearly every installation to help strengthen relationships and build resilience. These include marriage counseling, financial planning assistance, family advocacy programs, and pre- and post-deployment workshops. Chaplains and resources like Military OneSource provide confidential counseling and support to help families navigate the challenges of military life.
By understanding the statistics and the underlying causes, we can better appreciate the resilience of military families and the importance of the support systems designed to help them thrive. Reach out to Graham Family Law for personalized support. Our attorneys specialize in Military Divorce and related matters. Call us at 210-308-6448 today.
