Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 11/30/2003

Question
I have been all over the internet and can't seem to find a good number (even in the ballpark) of what our current US Army population is.  I know there might be a number for active duty vs. USAR vs. National Guard ... and more breakdown of what USAR and NG are currently active duty.  But, I'm just trying to get a decent figure to use in a paper I am writing.  i.e., "since we currently have approximately _____ active duty service members (not counting those on active duty from USAR and NG),...".  Thanks for any suggestions, help, or a ballpark figure with reference!

You are the only Army expert listed on this service.

Linda
Knapp2020@aol.com

Answer
Dear Linda --

The Congressional Record shows the legal limit to the number of active duty service members.  The Army is currently limited to 427,000 active duty members.  Of course we cannot exceed that limit so at the end of each month the Army has somewhat fewer than 427000.  Generally that number is just over 400,000.

The total manpower in the Army, active, reserve and national guard is just over a million.  The reserve and national guard component actually have more soldiers than the active force does.

I hope this helps.