Mortality Rates Among U.S. Service Members, 2010–2020

This report updates previous summaries of the numbers, rates, trends and causes of death among U.S. active component, National Guard, and reserve component members from 2010 through 2020. Mortality rates among service members in all components decreased from 2011 to 2014, corresponding with a drawdown of U.S. military operations in U.S. Central Command. Compared to their respective counterparts, all-cause mortality rates were highest in the guard and reserve component and among Army soldiers, male service members, non-Hispanic White individuals, those in the oldest age category (age 55 years and older), and service members in combat-related occupations. Suicide and self-inflicted injury was the leading cause of death for both U.S. service women and men. Mortality rates for all causes of death among military service members were lower than the in U.S. population after adjustments for age, sex, and race and ethnicity—with the exception of suicide and self-inflicted injury, for which rates were higher. These findings demonstrate the need for a continued emphasis on suicide prevention programs to improve service member well-being. By identifying the specific subpopulations at highest risk for various causes of mortality, these surveillance data provide information for the Department of War to refine and more effectively target its prevention efforts and resources. Continued mortality surveillance is essential to identify emerging threats, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and protect both the health and readiness of the force.