How many people have died in the US military, and how?
Over 80% of active-duty military deaths since 1980 have come from accidents, illness, and suicides.
The military has recorded 63,670 active-duty deaths since 1980, 84.0% of which were due to accidents, illness, and suicide or self-inflicted wounds. From January to May 13, 2026, 260 military members died. Thirteen of these deaths resulted from Operation Epic Fury.
Detailed record-keeping on active-duty military deaths began in 1980. Historical records from The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) show approximately 1.2 million fatalities between 1775 and 1991.
Since 1980, less than 10% of military deaths have come from hostile action.
US active-duty military deaths by manner, 1980–2026
How many US soldiers have died and how?
Accidental deaths
Between 1980 and May 13, 2026, 29,948 soldiers died in accidents, including vehicle crashes and incidents related to alcohol or substance abuse. By 2025, the most recent year with complete data, annual accidental deaths had decreased by 85.5%, from 1,556 in 1980 to 225.
Suicide or self-inflicted injuries
Since more thorough data collection began, the prevalence of military deaths caused by suicide or self-inflicted injuries has increased nearly 40%, from 231 deaths in 1980 to 322 in 2025. These incidents have become the most common cause of death in the military.
Homicide, illness, and other deaths
Since 1980, more than 14,000 active-duty military members have died from illness (11,485) or homicide (2,802), with an additional 1,225 deaths classified as pending or undetermined.
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Which US war had the most casualties?
In terms of overall casualties, World War II resulted in 1,076,245 dead and wounded Americans during the nation’s four-year involvement, making it the deadliest conflict in both US and world history. This war accounts for approximately 41% of US military casualties across the major conflicts recorded by the Department of Veterans Affairs between 1775 and 1991.
The American Civil War holds the record for the highest casualty rate of any major American conflict, with 498,332 deaths and 281,881 wounded — 23.9% of all service members.
The Civil War was the deadliest US war when comparing casualties to service members.
US casualty and military service member records from US wars, 1775–1991
How many US service members were killed or injured in Afghanistan and Iraq?
From the onset of military operations in October 2001 to May 2026, the United States has incurred a total of 67,706 casualties. This includes 7,073 military fatalities and 53,560 wounded service members.
The US global war on terrorism began following the September 11th attacks carried out by Al Qaeda operatives. The resulting conflict led to US invasions of both Afghanistan and Iraq to remove the regimes of the Taliban and Saddam Hussein from power.
60% of the casualties in the war on terror occurred during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
US casualty records from the war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan, 2001–2026
How many US service members have been killed in the Iran operation?
The US began Operation Epic Fury on February 28, 2026 to dismantle Iran’s security infrastructure. As of May 13, 13 US service members have died in the operation and 404 have been wounded in action.
Seven of the 13 who have been killed died in hostile action, meaning directly as part of a combat mission or while traveling to and from one. The other six died in a helicopter crash that was deemed to be not due to hostile fire or friendly fire.
What are the military benefits after someone dies?
Families of US military personnel who have lost a loved one in the line of duty may be eligible for a range of benefits. These benefits vary depending on the service member’s service and the circumstances of their death, but they often include:
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): A monthly payment to eligible survivors.
- Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA): Provides education and training opportunities.
- Burial benefits: May include burial allowances and funeral-related assistance.
- TRICARE healthcare coverage: Access to medical benefits for eligible family members.
- Housing benefits: Access to military housing or housing allowances.
Eligibility generally extends to the service member’s spouse, children, and, in some cases, dependent parents, with specific criteria varying by situation.
Where does this data come from?
Where does this data come from?
Where does this data come from?
Data on historical casualty figures from America’s wars between 1775 and 1991 comes from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and utilizes estimates from the Department of Defense (DoD).
Data collected before World War I is based on incomplete records, making authoritative figures from conflicts difficult to attain.
Data on casualties during the War on Terror come from regularly updated Casualty Status reports from the Defense Manpower Data Center, a subset of the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the DoD.
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