Abstract
ABSTRACTThe U.K. media suggest that U.K. military personnel have high divorce rates; to date, these claims are not substantiated. Marital status distribution of the general population and military were compared using data from the Office for National Statistics' marital projections and a military cohort study. Overall, military personnel were more likely to be married and less likely to be divorced than were the general population. Women in the military and married military personnel younger than 30 years of age are more likely to report divorce. Military welfare services might target these groups with programs assisting marital relationships.
Highlights
UK media suggest UK military personnel have high divorce rates; to date, these claims are not substantiated
Overall, military personnel were more likely to be married and less likely to be divorced compared to the general population of England and Wales (Table 1)
Overall the proportion of divorce is lower compared to the general population, in the 18 – 29 years group the percentage of military personnel who are divorced is higher, this difference is small
Summary
UK media suggest UK military personnel have high divorce rates; to date, these claims are not substantiated. Research from the US indicates that divorce rates amongst US military personnel are comparable to civilians (Karney & Crown, 2007; Karney, Loughran, & Pollard, 2012; McCone & O'Donnell, 2006). Research from the US that has compared differences between the rates of marriage and divorce between the military and general population indicates that US military personnel are more likely to be married (Cadigan, 2000; Karney et al, 2012) and marry at younger ages Benefits for married military personnel, such as subsidised housing and being part of a supportive environment, may lead to marriage happening prematurely or even accelerating marriages in partnerships that might have otherwise dissolved (Cadigan, 2000; Karney & Crown, 2007; Lundquist, 2007). Lundquist (2007), found that 23 to 27 year old enlisted personnel (in the US enlisted personnel are all ranks below commissioned officer) are more likely to divorce than comparable civilians, even after controlling for demographic, religious, socioeconomic, and attitudinal factors. Hogan and Seifert (2010) found that active duty Armed Forces members who marry aged between 23 –
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