State of Defense in Numbers
FY 2025 defense funding reflected ongoing commitments to military personnel and veterans, as well as the resources needed to maintain Department of Defense operations. The US complements its military with economic and security assistance for allies and regions.
The basics
$919B
2.1M
$82.3B
Let's talk about national defense
Defense spending was one of the largest federal expenditures in FY 2025, supporting active-duty, reserve personnel, and long-term commitments to veterans.
In FY 2025, the US spent about $919.2 billion on national defense. It accounted for 13% of the federal budget, making it the government’s fifth-largest expenditure. Spending was 2% higher than in FY 2024, but 10% lower than the peak in 2010.
In FY 2025, the US spent about $919.2 billion on national defense.
National defense spending, adjusted for inflation (FY 2025 dollars)
As of September 2025, the nation had 2.1 million active duty and reserve troops. The Army was the largest military branch, accounting for 34% of active-duty troops and 65% of reservists.
As of September 2025, there were 2.1 million troops in the military.
Troops in the armed forces, by type and branch (September 2025)
Out of the 1.3 million active-duty troops with unclassified locations, 13%, or about 170,000 troops, were stationed abroad in September 2025. This includes troops in US territories. The military’s presence was largest in Japan and Germany, where about 53,500 and 36,300 active-duty troops, respectively, were assigned.
As of September 2025, 13% of active duty troops were stationed abroad.
Active-duty troops stationed abroad (September 2025)
From June to December 2025, the Trump administration deployed National Guard personnel to six US cities. Data from September 2025 says the National Guard has 433,990 members. Approximately 97% of the National Guard personnel reside in the US, primarily in Texas, New York, and California.
There were 433,990 members of the National Guard in September 2025.
National Guard personnel (September 2025)
Around 6% of the adult population, or 15.7 million people, identified as veterans in 2024. This number has been steadily falling for decades. The total number of veterans decreased by 7.7 million from 2010 to 2024, a 33% decline.
In 2024, around 15.7 million people identified as veterans.
Veteran population
What does foreign aid look like?
Foreign aid reflects how the US supports partners abroad, with agencies such as the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development historically overseeing the distribution of economic assistance. In 2025, proposed funding changes and congressional negotiations influenced how and where the government allocated aid.
About $82.3 billion in foreign aid was promised for FY 2024, the most recent fully reported year. About two-thirds of foreign aid was economic, and the remainder was for military purposes. It accounted for 1.2% of the federal budget that year. FY 2025 data is available, but only partially. It will be finalized over the next years.
About $82.3 billion in foreign aid was promised for FY 2024.
Foreign aid obligations, adjusted for inflation (FY 2024)
In FY 2024, foreign aid by recipient country ranged from as little as $150 to as much as $6.82 billion. Israel ($6.82 billion), Ukraine ($6.51 billion), and Jordan ($1.74 billion) received the most, collectively accounting for 22% of all US foreign aid spending.
In FY 2024, foreign aid ranged from $150 to $6.82 billion.
Foreign aid disbursements, by country (FY 2024)
