The face of the American military is changing. Far fewer people serve today compared with a generation ago, and the percentage of Americans with military experience has fallen by more than half since 1980.
Meanwhile, the profile of those who serve is vastly different than it once was. Today’s troops are more diverse and face new challenges, both while they’re in uniform and after they leave the service.
American Homefront is a major public media initiative that reports on the lives of military personnel, veterans, and their families. Our long-form stories chronicle the challenges and successes of the military and veteran communities.
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Smaller companies can offer more unique solutions to problems the military faces, but they can struggle to break into a defense industry that can be frustrating to navigate. -
The new federal law’s backers say it will cut red tape so spouses can continue their careers without interruption. But it’s not clear yet exactly how the law will work or how states will comply. -
On a near daily basis, the U.S. Transportation Command loads planes, ships and vehicles with supplies bound for Ukraine. -
Research into psychedelic drugs was halted in the 1960s as recreational use and its backlash criminalized them. The Veterans Administration is joining dozens of other medical providers and researchers in resuming that work. -
The facility will include a first-ever innovation center, where people without security clearances can work alongside NGA staff on problems or issues the agency regularly grapples with. -
The service organization is closing some of its centers, opening new ones, and expanding its online programs to respond to funding reductions and troops' changing needs. -
A recent study found military families are spending more time and money to find a place to live when they change duty stations. -
Years after the federal government got involved to improve ballot access for active members of the military, expanded online voting that is not available to the general public is reducing problems for troops wanting to vote. -
The Air Force is revamping the way it trains pilots so they can better respond to potential challenges from countries like China and Russia. -
AARP says military families and veterans are almost 40% more likely than civilians to become victims of scammers, and 80% of the attacks specifically take aim at their military benefits.
