Military Divorce Rates at Lowest Level in a Decade

New statistics released by the U.S. Department of Defense indicate that the divorce rate among service members decreased again in 2014, putting it at the lowest point it has been since 2005.

The statistics include divorces among both officers and enlisted service members. Pentagon officials say that the military divorce rate was 3.1 percent in 2014, just slightly above the 3 percent rate from 2005. The highest point for the military divorce rate was 3.7 percent in 2011. At the very beginning of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq in 2001, the rate was 2.6 percent.

The decline in the rate has been explained partially by the significant drop in divorces among married female service members. The divorce rate among male troops has dropped only a small amount — about .3 percent over the past year and about .5 percent over the past four years. For women, however, the divorce rate has declined by about 1.5 percent over the past four years.

Looking at specific branches of the military, the most drastic divorce rate declines came among women in the marines. About 9.5 percent of all female marines were divorced in 2011, compared to 6.2 percent in 2014.

The current military divorce rate of 3.1 percent in a given year also falls below the national civilian divorce rate of 3.6 percent in a given year, although there are some differences in how these rates are tracked.

Military divorces have some unique elements that require the assistance of an experienced legal professional. Contact the Long Island divorce lawyers at Bryan L. Salamone & Associates for the guidance you need and deserve.

Further reading about military divorce:

Unique Elements of Military Divorces

Military Divorce Rate Remains Steady While Marriages Fall

Custody and Support Issues for Military Parents

Unique Factors that Influence Military Divorces

Analysis of Military Divorce Rates Shows Female Personnel Divorce Slightly More Often

Can a Veteran’s Spouse Claim VA Benefits During Divorce?

Some Careers Have Significantly Higher Divorce Rates than Others