Throughout American history, Native veterans have answered the call to serve in the Armed Services. Highly regarded within their tribal community for their dedication and commitment to serve in the Armed Services, Native American veterans represent 574 federally recognized tribes. We take this opportunity to honor all Native Americans and acknowledge their ongoing contributions to the success and growth of our nation. service members and veterans. The information and statistics in this document are from various data collection efforts centered on military life, transition, employment, entrepreneurship, and higher education.
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A Few Key Takeaways
Populations
Highlights
- 25% of American Indian or Alaska Native veterans live outside of metropolitan areas
- 63% of American Indian or Alaska Native veterans live in the West South Central, Mountain, and Pacific Regions
- 18% of American Indian or Alaska Native veterans live below poverty threshold
- 40% of American Indian or Alaska Native veterans are enrolled for VA health care
- 134,718 VA home loans in 2020 for American Indian or Alaska Native veterans
Top Motivations For Military Service
Top Skills & Attributes Stregnthened By Military Service
84% reported that joining the military was a GOOD decision.
Transition
Post Service Career
51% indicated the desire to pursue a career DIFFERENT from their military specialty (MOS, AFSC, etc.)
TOP TRANSITION CHALLENGES
Disabilities
29% of American Indian or Alaska Native veterans have a service-connected disability
Unemployment
IN 2019, American Indian or Alaska Native veteran unemployment was at 8.04%
{this was HIGHER compared to other veteran counterparts but LOWER compared to American Indian or Alaska Native nonveteran counterparts}
Earnings
In 2019, $50,000 median earnings for American Indian or Alaska Native veterans
{HIGHER compared to American Indian or Alaska Native nonveteran counterparts who earn about $31,000; LOWER compared to non-minority veteran counterparts who earn about $61,000}
Entreprenuership
- In 2019, 10% of American Indian or Alaska Native veterans were self-employed
- 60% of American Indian or Alaska Native veteran entrepreneurs indicated that navigating the resources in their local community was not easy in 2020
Higher Education
How Can Higher Education Help?
“Have a support staff that works with not only mainstream veterans but diverse veterans such as Native American veterans” – Army Post 9/11 Veteran