Comparing Marital Status and Divorce Status in Civilian and Military Populations

Military couples may experience significant marital stressors that civilian couples do not face (e.g., deployment, mental health concerns). Rates of marriage and divorce among Active Duty, male U.S. Service members and a matched civilian sample were compared from 1998-2005. Across ranks, age ranges, and racial/ethnic groups, Active Duty male Service members are generally more likely to be married and no more likely, or often even less likely, to be divorced compared to matched civilians.