Women Veterans

Badass Women Veterans

Since the time of the All-Volunteer Force, the number of women serving in the military has grown.

  • The share of women veterans will increase from 11% to 18% by 2048.
  • The overall number of women veterans is also expected to increase, from around 2 million to about 2.2 million.
  • The number of male veterans, on the other hand, is projected to drop from about 16.2 million in 2023 to just under 10 million in 2048.
  • Women serve in every branch of the military, representing 15.5 percent of active duty military and 19.0 percent of National Guard and Reserve forces in 2015.
  • The total Veteran population in 2015 was about 21.7 million Veterans.
  • About 2 million or 9.4 percent of the total Veteran population were women Veterans.
  • Women are now the fastest growing cohort within the Veteran community. 

Ultimately, these women make the transition from service member to veteran. In 2015, women comprised 9.4 percent of the total veteran population in the United States. By 2043, women are projected to make up 16.3 percent of all living Veterans. This report summarizes the history of women in the military and as veterans, profiles the characteristics of women veterans in 2015, illustrates how women Veterans in 2015 used some of the major benefits and services that are offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and discusses the future of women veterans in relation to VA.


Demographic Characteristics 

The total population of women veterans is expected to increase at an average rate of about 18,000 women per year for the next 10 years. Women Veterans currently are and will continue to be an important part of the veteran community and an important part of VA. 


Approximately 2 million veterans in the United States and Puerto Rico were women. Women represented about 9.4 percent of the total veteran population in 2015. Twenty-five percent of all living women veterans served only during peace times. Fifty-six percent of all women veterans have served during the Gulf War Era (August 1990 to the present). The median age of women veterans in 2015 was 50, compared with 46 for non-veteran women.


In 2015, 19 percent of women veterans were African American, compared with 12 percent of non-Veteran women. African American women are also overrepresented compared to African American men in the military. In contrast, the percentage of women veterans who were Hispanic was almost half that of non-veterans (9 percent compared with 16 percent). The percentage of women veterans who were Asian is less than half that of non-veterans (2 percent compared with 5.5 percent). Generally, as the percentage of Hispanics in the general population rises, their representation in the military rises as well, therefore the percentage of Hispanic women veterans is expected to increase in the future.


Women veterans were more likely to have ever married than non-veteran women. In 2015, 84 percent of women veterans were currently married, divorced, widowed, or separated compared with 72 percent of non-veteran women. In 2015, 23.4 percent of all women veterans were currently divorced compared with 12.6 percent of non-veteran women. 


In 2015, 28.6 percent of all women veterans under the age of 65 had children 17 years old or younger living at home, and 29.9 percent of non-veteran women had children 17 years old or younger living at home.

Women Veterans Report_2015

Additional Articles, White Papers, and Guest Contributions

  • Women Veterans

    • The share of women veterans will increase from 11% this year to 18% in 2048.
    • The overall number of women veterans is also expected to increase, from around 2 million to about 2.2 million.
    • The number of male veterans, on the other hand, is projected to drop from about 16.2 million in 2023 to just under 10 million in 2048.
    • Women serve in every branch of the military, representing 15.5 percent of active duty military and 19.0 percent of National Guard and Reserve forces in 2015.
    • The total Veteran population in 2015 was about 21.7 million Veterans.
    • About 2 million or 9.4 percent of the total Veteran population were women Veterans.
    • Women are now the fastest growing cohort within the Veteran community. 

    Women Veterans



  • The History of Women in the U.S. Military

    From the battlefields of the American Revolution to the deserts of Kuwait, women have been serving in the military in one form or another for more than 200 years. They have had to overcome decades of obstacles to get to where they are today: serving in greater numbers, in combat roles and in leadership positions all around the world.


    Here is a look at the history of women in the military, how their roles have changed over the years and how the USO has supported them since our founding as an organization in 1941.

    The History of Women in the U.S. Military

  • Women Veterans Report_2015

    Since the time of the All-Volunteer Force, the number of women serving in the military has grown. Ultimately, these women make the transition from service member to veteran. In 2015, women comprised 9.4 percent of the total veteran population in the United States.

    Women Veterans Report_2015

  • Center for Women Veterans (CWV)

    Today’s VA is focused on the needs of women Veterans and cultural transformation. We aim to provide an environment free from harassment. VA has introduced White Ribbon, a national call to action to eliminate sexual harassment, sexual assault, and domestic violence. VA Secretary McDonough is making accountability of those who commit harassment or sexual assault an important part of creating a culture that is free from harassment and sexual assault, without fear of retaliation.

    Center for Women Veterans (CWV)

  • Women Veterans Health Care

    Women Veterans are a diverse group—professionals, mothers, retirees—of varying ages, racial, ethnic, gender identities, and sexual orientation. No matter how you identify, your women's health care team is here to help you stay well in all stages of your life.

    Women Veterans Health Care

  • Women Veterans (Veterans Affairs)

    Women served in the United States Military as early as the Revolutionary War. Since then, women of all ages, ranks, and levels of authority have entered every branch of service, made significant contributions, and suffered the same sacrifices as men. As a woman with military service, you may qualify for a wide range of benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

    Women Veterans (Veterans Affairs)

  • VA Benefits for Survivors of Military Sexual Trauma

    VA has special services available to help women who experienced military sexual trauma (MST), including free, confidential counseling and treatment for mental and physical health conditions related to MST. You do not need to have a service-connected disability or injury, and may be able to receive this benefit even if you are not eligible for other VA care. You do not need to have reported the incidents when they happened or have other documentation that they occurred in order to receive MST services.


    Every VA facility has a designated MST Coordinator who serves as a contact person for MST-related issues. This person is your advocate and can help you find and access VA services and programs, state and federal benefits, and community resources.


    Learn more about MST and other violence and abuse from the National Center for PTSD.  Watch an overview webinar on MST and learn about the benefits available to Servicemembers and Veterans.


    How to Apply

    The specific VA benefit or program web page will provide tailored information about how to apply for a particular benefit or program. Generally, Servicemembers, Veterans, and families can apply for VA benefits using one of the methods below.


    Apply online using eBenefits, OR

    Work with an accredited representative or agent, OR

    Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you. You can find your regional office on our Facility Locator page.

    VA Benefits for Survivors of Military Sexual Trauma



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