The vet of tomorrow: no longer white and male

As the U.S. military undergoes significant demographic shifts, so too does the veteran population. In honor of Veterans Day, celebrated every year on November 11, here are some facts about the future of American veterans.

More veterans are women
According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the proportion of female veterans will almost double by 2043, from nine percent to 17 percent. In the wake of increased enrollment following the events of 9/11, women are actually the fastest growing group of veterans. They face particular challenges when trying to adjust to civilian life, many of which aren’t addressed by existing resources.

The average age of veterans is changing
Currently, people aged 50 to 69 make up 42 percent of the veteran population. By 2043, however, the proportion of veterans under the age of 50 will increase considerably, as will the number of those over the age of 70. This means that the services offered to veterans will need to accommodate the needs of a more diverse population in terms of age.

Veterans are becoming more ethnically diverse
As the U.S. military becomes more diverse, it’s expected that the veteran population will exhibit the same trend. The proportion of non-Hispanic white veterans is likely to fall to 64 percent in 2043 from 78 percent in 2013.

Since non-White veterans are disproportionately affected by issues such as homelessness and lack of access to resources, it’ll be important for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to work with community leaders to help ensure their well-being.

Veterans of all genders, ages and ethnicity have sacrificed a lot to keep our country safe. On November 11, take a moment to thank them for their service.