The divorce rate among military couples has long been a topic of discussion and debate. Some studies and reports suggest that service members face higher divorce risks, while others find their divorce rates similar to civilian counterparts. Let’s take a closer look at some key statistics and factors that may impact divorce among active duty military personnel.
Divorce Rate Statistics for Military vs Civilians
Pinning down precise military divorce rates is challenging, as different studies utilize varying methodologies and data sources. However, many analyses suggest the difference between military and civilian divorce rates is relatively small:
- A 2019 study published in the Journal of Family Issues analyzed data from the 1996 to 2011 Survey of Income and Program Participation and found no significant difference in divorce rates among recent veterans, active duty service members, and comparable civilians.
- An analysis by the nonprofit think tank RAND Corporation examined military survey data and found the cumulative divorce rate among enlisted couples was 7.8% for men and 13.6% for women after 10 years of marriage. This was similar to a 10% cumulative divorce rate among civilian couples after 10 years.
- A 2015 report from the Department of Defense analyzed 2002-2011 data and found the divorce rate among active duty women was 8.0%, which was not statistically different from the civilian divorce rate for women of a comparable age.
So while some variation exists across studies, most evidence does not support substantially higher divorce rates among active duty service members compared to civilians. However, within the military population, there are some demographic factors associated with higher divorce risks.
Military Factors That Impact Divorce Rate
Though military life does not necessarily lead to more overall divorces, some characteristics and experiences of military couples are linked to increased likelihood of divorce:
- Frequent moves and separation – The mobile military lifestyle and deployments mean more time apart for service members and spouses, which can strain relationships.
- Younger age at marriage – Military couples tend to marry at a younger age, which is associated with higher divorce rates in the broader population.
- Lower officer vs. enlisted divorce – Rates are significantly lower for officers than enlisted personnel. Officers have higher income and education levels, which are associated with lower divorce rates.
- Higher divorce for enlisted women – Some studies have found the divorce rate is higher among enlisted women than men. Reasons may include financial challenges and effects of deployment on childcare.
- Stress from combat deployments – PTSD, trauma, and readjustment issues after deployments can increase marital difficulties and divorce risks.
How Do Military Divorce Rates Compare by Rank and Gender?
Let’s examine some specific statistics on how military divorce rates differ by rank and gender, based on a 2010 Pentagon report:
| Category | Divorce Rate |
|---|---|
| All active duty women | 8.0% |
| Active duty enlisted women | 9.1% |
| Active duty officer women | 3.9% |
| All active duty men | 3.3% |
| Active duty enlisted men | 4.1% |
| Active duty officer men | 1.8% |
This data shows some clear trends – divorce rates are nearly twice as high among women versus men, and enlisted personnel have significantly higher divorce rates than officers, especially for women.
How Do Military Divorce Rates Vary by Service Branch?
Divorce rates within the military also differ across the five service branches. Here are divorce statistics by service branch based on 2018 data:
| Service Branch | Divorce Rate |
|---|---|
| Marine Corps | 3.9% |
| Air Force | 3.3% |
| Army | 3.2% |
| Navy | 2.9% |
| Coast Guard | 2.0% |
The Marine Corps has the highest divorce rate at 3.9%, while the Coast Guard has the lowest at 2.0%. However, differences across branches are relatively small. Work demands, operational tempos, and combat exposure levels may contribute to variations in marital stability across military branches.
Why Might Military Lifestyle Contribute to Divorce?
Why exactly might aspects of military life lead to higher marital instability and divorce in some cases? Here are some of the key factors:
Frequent Relocations
Military families typically move much more frequently than civilian ones. Frequent relocations every couple years disrupt stability and social connections for families. This can create stress on marriages.
Separations From Deployments
Deployments involving months or years of separation present challenges. Being apart for long periods can emotionally distance partners and lead to infidelity or divorce. Reintegrating after deployments also requires renegotiating roles and responsibilities.
High Operational Tempo
Busy operational schedules including field training exercises, schools, and unpredictable duty hours reduce time for families. This can hamper communication and bonding between spouses.
Stress and Trauma
Exposure to combat and post-deployment issues like PTSD create added relationship difficulties. Trauma and mental health impacts of deployments can impair relationships and contribute to domestic violence.
Financial Challenges
Frequent moves make spousal employment difficult, which can create financial strain and dependence on one income. This disproportionately affects younger enlisted families.
Younger Marriages
Marrying and starting families at younger ages is more common in the military. Younger marriages are at higher risk for divorce in the general population.
Imbalance of Relationship Power
Traditional gender roles often dominate military marriages. Male dominance over decision-making and careers can foster unhealthy relationship dynamics.
Conclusion
In summary, research shows the overall divorce rate among active duty military personnel is quite similar to the general population when controlling for age and other demographics. However, frequent relocations, deployments, and occupational demands of military service do appear to elevate divorce risks for some service members compared to civilian peers.
Within the military population, younger enlisted personnel, women, and those in the Marine Corps face the highest divorce likelihoods. While divorce rates have gradually declined in the military in recent decades, challenges of the military lifestyle continue to put strain on many marriages. More research is needed to better understand factors that may contribute to increased divorce rates among certain military demographic groups.