U.S. troop numbers at record low

The number of active duty U.S. troops has fallen to an all time
low of 1.3 million – down almost two thirds from a peak
of 3.5 million in 1968, during the Vietnam War

Washington DC military
parade with soldiers
dressed in Vietnam War
uniforms, Jun 14, 2025

ACTIVE DUTY
U.S. TROOPS (millions
by military branch, 1954-2024)*

1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020

3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0

1968 TOTAL (PEAK
OF VIETNAM WAR)
3,547,902

1991 TOTAL (END
OF COLD WAR)
1,985,555

2024 TOTAL
1,257,399

Army
Navy
Marines
Air Force

*Omits Space Force, Coast Guard, civilian military personnel and reservists
Sources: Sherwood, USA Facts, DMDC
Picture: Getty Images
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