Number of Federal Employees – Labor Market Fact

A topic of debate during most presidential campaigns is the size of the U.S. military and government. Over the years, the number of both military and executive branch government employees have varied as administrations and conflicts have influenced the size and make up of Federal employees.

During the Vietnam War, the U.S. actively built up and maintained an above average number of military personnel. The military saw increased numbers during most of the 60’s decade, then a sudden drop once the Vietnam War formally ended in 1975. Since roughly the end of the Vietnam War, executive branch civilians have outnumbered uniformed military personnel. Some argue that military personnel have dwindled to excessively low levels, prompting a revisit to the size of the U.S. military. The most recent numbers available from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management show 2.6 million executive branch employees and 1.45 million military personnel.

Sources: U.S. Office of Personnel Management