U.S. Department of Justice

Office of Justice Programs

Bureau of Justice Statistics

Special Report

May 2007, NCJ 217199

Veterans in State and Federal Prison, 2004

By Margaret E. Noonan

BJS Statistician

and Christopher J. Mumola

BJS Policy Analyst

The percentage of veterans among State and Federal 

prisoners has steadily declined over the past three decades, 

according to national surveys of prison inmates conducted 

by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS). In 2004,10% of 

State prisoners reported prior service in the U.S. Armed 

Forces, down from 12% in 1997 and 20% in 1986. Since 

BJS began surveying Federal prisoners in 1991, they have 

shown the same decline over a shorter period. Overall, an 

estimated 140,000 veterans were held in the Nation’s 

prisons in 2004, down from 153,100 in 2000.

The majority of veterans in State (54%) and Federal (64%) 

prison served during a wartime period, but a much lower 

percentage reported seeing combat duty (20% of State 

prisoners, 26% of Federal). Vietnam War-era veterans were 

the most common wartime veterans in both State (36%) and 

Federal (39%) prison. Veterans of the Iraq-Afghanistan eras 

comprised 4% of veterans in both State and Federal prison. 

The average length of military service of veterans in prison 

was about 4 years. An estimated 62% of veterans received 

an honorable discharge and 38% received various types of 

other discharges.

Veterans in State and Federal prison in 2004 were almost 

exclusively male (99%). When compared to other men in 

the U.S. resident population, male veterans have had lower 

incarceration rates. Among adult males, the incarceration 

rate of veterans (630 prisoners per 100,000) was less than 

half that of nonveterans (1,390 prisoners per 100,000). This 

lower rate is due in part to age differences since older men 

typically have lower incarceration rates. Most male veterans 

(65%) were at least 55 years old in 2004, compared to 17% 

of nonveteran men.

More than half (57%) of veterans in State prison were 

serving time for a violent offense, including 15% for 

homicide and 23% for sexual assault which included rape. 

Among nonveterans, less than half (47%) were in State 

prison for a violent offense; 1 in 5 were held for homicide 

(12%) or sexual assault (9%).

Veterans had shorter criminal records than nonveterans in 

State prison, but reported longer prison sentences and 

expected to serve more time in prison than nonveterans. 

Nearly a third of veterans and a quarter of nonveterans 

were first-time offenders. The average maximum sentence 

reported by veterans in State prison (147 months) was 2 

years longer than that of nonveterans (119 months). On 

average veterans expected to serve 22 months longer than 

nonveterans (112 months compared to 90 months).

Less than half of veterans in State prison (43%) reported 

recent drug use, compared to 58% of nonveterans. At the 

time of the offense, a quarter of veterans and a third of nonveterans reported being under the influence of drugs.

Half of State prisoners reported ever having a mental health 

problem, regardless of veteran status. However, veterans 

(30%) were more likely than nonveterans (24%) to report a 

recent history of mental health services, including an overnight stay in a hospital, use of a prescribed medication, or 

treatment by a mental health professional.

Detailed information on the characteristics of veterans 

and nonveterans in State and Federal prison is provided 

in appendix tables available on the BJS website at 

<http:www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/vsfp04.htm>. 

Percent of prisoners reporting prior military service 

continues to decline

Percent of prisoners

1986 1991 1997 2004

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

State

Federal
2 Veterans in State and Federal Prison, 2004

After rising for two decades, number of veterans 

dropped since 2000

Between 1985 and 2000, the estimated number of veterans 

in State and Federal prison rose by more than 50,000, or 

53%. During the same period, the overall State and Federal 

prisoner growth was three times greater. Since 2000, the 

annual prisoner growth has slowed dramatically, and the 

number of veterans in prison fell by 13,100 or 9%.

The decline in the percentage and number of veterans in 

the Nation’s prisons reflects in part the declining number of 

veterans in the U.S. resident population. According to the 

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), there were an 

estimated 24,523,300 veterans in the United States resident 

population in 2004.* Since 1985 the number of veterans 

living in the U.S. has declined by nearly 3.5 million persons, 

dropping from 16% of the adult U.S. resident population to 

11%. During the same period, active-duty personnel in the 

U.S. Armed Forces dropped by 34%, a decline of over 

700,000 active-duty personnel.

Male veterans were half as likely as other men to be 

held in prison; the gap increasing since the 1980s

Over 90% of veterans in the U.S. population were men, and 

veterans in both State and Federal prison in 2004 were 

almost exclusively male (99%). When compared to other 

men in the U.S. resident population, veterans have had 

consistently lower incarceration rates.

*See Methodology for veteran population estimates. In this report, veteran 

refers to any person who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The gap between these groups has grown over time. In 

1985 the prison incarceration rate of male veterans (368 

prisoners per 100,000 veterans) was just over half that of 

nonveteran men (646 per 100,000). By 2004 the 

incarceration rates of each group had risen sharply, but 

more so among nonveterans (115%) than veterans (71%). 

Male veterans (630 prisoners per 100,000) were less than 

half as likely as nonveteran men (1,390 prisoners per 

100,000) to be in prison in 2004.

The difference in male incarceration rates by veteran status 

is largely explained by age. Veterans were older than other 

men in the U.S. population. In 2004 two-thirds of all male 

veterans were age 55 or older, compared to 17% of nonveteran men. The incarceration rate of these older male veterans (182 per 100,000) was far lower than for those under 

age 55 (1,483 per 100,000). Veterans also had a much 

lower incarceration rate among men age 25 to 34, which is 

the largest age group of State prisoners. If veteran men had 

the same age distribution as nonveteran men, the incarceration rates would be similar. The age-controlled incarceration rate for veteran men (1,253 prisoners per 100,000) 

would be 10% lower than that of nonveteran men (1,390 per 

100,000).

Prison incarceration rate, 

per 100,000 adult males

Age Veterans Nonveterans

All adults 630 1,390

18-24 1,391 1,446

25-34 1,232 2,260

35-44 1,861 1,763

45-54 1,314 846

55-64 345 451

65 or older 76 105

Figure 1

Number of veterans in State and Federal prison

1985 1990 1995 2000 2004

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

160,000

Figure 2

by veteran status, 2004

Age distribution of adult male U.S. residents,

older

Percent

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

NonVeterans

veterans

18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65 or

Age
Veterans in State and Federal Prison, 2004 3

U.S. Army accounted for 46% of veterans living in the 

U.S., but 56% of veterans in State prison in 2004

While veterans held in State prison in 2004 represented all 

branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, Army veterans were 

over-represented in prison. The VA estimated that 46% of 

veterans living in the U.S. during 2004 had served in the 

Army, but 56% of veterans in State prison were Army veterans. By contrast, Air Force veterans accounted for 18% of 

all veterans in the U.S., but 9% of veterans in State prison.

Half of incarcerated veterans performed wartime 

military service; 1 in 5 reported combat duty

Although a majority of incarcerated veterans served during 

a wartime period, a much lower percentage reported seeing 

combat duty. In 2004 most State prison veterans (54%) 

reported service during a wartime era, while 20% saw combat duty. In Federal prison two-thirds of veterans had served 

during wartime, and a quarter had seen combat. 

Vietnam-era veterans were the largest group of wartime 

service veterans in both State (36%) and Federal prison 

(39%). These percentages have been nearly stable since 

1997. The percentage of veterans reporting service during 

the Persian Gulf War-era (1990 to 1991) was stable in State 

prison (14% in 2004, 12% in 1997), but grew from 13% to 

21% of veterans in Federal prison over this period. 

Service during either World War II or the Korean conflict 

was reported by 2% of State and 3% of Federal prison 

veterans in 2004, compared to 4% and 6%, respectively in 

1997. Fewer than 5% of veterans held in either State or 

Federal prison in 2004 reported service during the 

Afghanistan and Iraq War-era (2002 to 2004). 

Percent of veterans, 2004

Branch of service U.S. residents State prisoners

Army 46% 56%

Navy 23 22

Air Force 18 9

Marine Corps 10 14

Other* 3 2

Note: State prison estimates sum to more than 100% 

because some inmates served in more than one branch. 

See Appendix table 1 for data on Federal prisoners.

*Includes Coast Guard veterans and reservists without 

active duty service in regular military.

Number of active-duty personnel held in military prison declining; sexual assault most common offense

According to data reported by the U.S. Department of 

Defense (DoD), the number of active-duty military 

personnel held in military correctional facilities fell 

22% between 1994 and 2004. These facilities hold 

military personnel whose offenses fell under the 

Uniform Code of Military Justice rather than civilian 

jurisdiction. These counts do not include prisoners of 

war or enemy combatants captured during military 

operations.

The drop in military prisoners outpaced the decline in 

the number of active-duty personnel. As a result, the 

military incarceration rate declined from 174 prisoners 

per 100,000 active-duty personnel in 1994 to 153 per 

100,000 in 2004. The rate of incarceration varied 

widely by branch of service. The Navy and Air Force 

had the lowest rates over this period, while the Marine 

Corps had the highest rate. By 2004 the Marine 

Corps’ incarceration rate had dropped 34% from its 

2000 peak, but remained the highest of all the 

services.

Rape or sexual assault (29%) was the most common 

offense for which active-duty personnel were held in 

DoD custody. Violent offenses accounted for half 

(46%) of all inmates, followed by drug (22%) and 

military offenses (14%). 

Number of prisoners 

in military custody, 

at yearend

Incarceration rate, per 100,000 personnel

Year Total Army Navy

Marine 

Corps

Air 

Force

1994 2,800 174 / / / /

1996 2,747 187 225 109 392 125

1998 2,426 172 178 102 394 132

2000 2,420 175 164 127 421 116

2002 2,377 168 177 127 325 122

2004 2,177 153 171 110 279 106

/Not reported.

Source: U.S. Department of Defense. See Methodology for details.

Prisoners in military custody, by most serious offense, 2004

Public-order/other

Drugs

Military

Property

Homicide

Sexual assault

Violent*

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Offense type

Percent of prisoners

*Violent is comprised of sexual assault,

homicide, and other categories not shown.
4 Veterans in State and Federal Prison, 2004

Veterans were older, better educated than other State 

and Federal prison inmates

Veterans differed from nonveteran prisoners on a variety of 

measures. Half of veterans in State prison were white nonHispanics, compared to a third of nonveteran inmates. The 

median age (45) of veterans in State prison was 12 years 

older than that of nonveterans (33). Nonveteran inmates 

(55%) were nearly 4 times more likely than veterans (14%) 

to be under the age of 35. 

Veterans in State prison were more likely to have been married at one time (74%) than nonveterans (40%), although 

the percentage of currently married inmates was much 

more similar (22% of veterans, 16% of nonveterans). Veterans (43%) were over twice as likely as other State prisoners 

(17%) to be divorced. 

Veterans were also much better educated than other prisoners. Nearly all veterans in State prison (91%) reported at 

least a high school diploma or GED. An estimated 40% of 

nonveterans lacked either. The rate of college attendance 

among veterans in State prison (1 in 3) was triple that of 

nonveterans (1 in 10). 

Veterans and nonveterans in Federal prison differed on 

many of the same measures as State prisoners. Veterans in 

Federal prison were twice as likely as nonveterans to be 

white non-Hispanics or to have attended college. Nearly 

80% of veterans in Federal prison had been married at one 

time, compared to half of nonveterans. 

Nearly 1 in 4 veterans in State prison were sex 

offenders, compared to 1 in 10 nonveterans

While veterans had lower prison incarceration rates than 

nonveterans, veterans were more likely than other prisoners 

to report serving time for a violent offense. A majority of veterans in State prison (57%) were serving time for violent 

offenses, including over a third who were serving sentences 

for homicide (15%) or rape/sexual assault (23%). Fewer 

than half of nonveterans in State prison (47%) were violent 

offenders, with 1 in 5 held for homicide (12%) or rape/sexual 

assault (9%). Veterans (15%) were also less likely to be 

drug offenders than other State prisoners (22%).

A fifth of veterans in Federal prison (19%) were serving time 

for a violent offense, compared to 14% of nonveterans. The 

percentage serving time for rape/sexual assault was 3% of 

veterans and 1% of nonveterans. Most nonveterans in Federal prison (56%) were drug offenders; 46% of veterans in 

Federal prison were serving drug sentences. 

Veterans were more likely than other violent offenders 

in State prison to have victimized females and minors

Among violent offenders, 60% of veterans reported 

victimizing only females during their current crime, 

compared to 41% of nonveterans. Veterans were also more 

likely than other violent offenders in State prison to report 

victimizing a minor. A quarter of violent offenders without 

prior military service said that at least one of their victims 

was under age 17. Among veterans the percentage was 

40%. In particular, veterans (20%) were twice as likely as 

nonveterans (10%) to report a victim under age 13. 

Over two-thirds of veterans reported that they knew the 

victim of their violent crime. Among nonveterans, half knew 

their victim. While veterans were no more likely than other 

violent offenders in State prison to have victimized an 

intimate partner, friend or acquaintance, the percentage 

who said they victimized a relative (25%) was twice that 

reported by nonveterans (11%). 

Veterans had shorter criminal histories than 

nonveterans in State prison

Veterans in State prison had shorter criminal histories than 

their nonveteran counterparts. Nearly a third of veterans 

and a quarter of nonveterans were first-time offenders. At 

the time of arrest, 33% of veterans were on probation or 

parole, while 44% of nonveterans had some type of prior 

criminal justice status. Fewer veterans (35%) than nonveterans (44%) reported at least 3 prior sentences to incarceration or probation. 

Selected

characteristics 

Percent of Federal

prisoners, 2004

Veterans Nonveterans

White, non-Hispanic 49% 24%

Divorced 43 18

Attended college 42 20

Median age 46yrs. 34yrs.

Note: See Appendix table 3 for more detail.

Percent of violent State 

prisoners, 2004

Veterans Nonveterans

Only female victim(s) 60% 41%

Minor victim(s) 40 24

Knew victim(s) 71 54

Relative 25 11

Used a weapon 29 38

Estimated number of 

inmates 73,200 514,200

Note: See Appendix table 6 for more detail.
Veterans in State and Federal Prison, 2004 5

More than a third of veterans in State prison had 

maximum sentences of at least 20 years, life, or death

On average veterans reported longer prison sentences and 

expected to serve more time than nonveterans. The average maximum sentence reported by veterans in State 

prison (147 months) was at least 2 years longer than that of 

nonveterans (119 months). A quarter of veterans (24%) in 

State prison reported a maximum sentence of at least 20 

years, and 13% received a life or death sentence. Nonveterans were less likely to report a sentence of at least 20 years 

(17%) or a life or death sentence (8%).

Veterans in State prison expected to serve an average of 22 

months longer than nonveterans (112 months compared to 

90 months). On average both veterans and nonveterans 

expected to serve three-quarters of their maximum sentence in prison.

Veterans reported longer average sentences than nonveterans, regardless of offense type

The longer sentences reported by veterans were not 

entirely the result of violent offenses. Veterans of all offense 

types reported longer sentences than nonveterans. The difference was largest among violent offenders (on average, 

28 months), but among property and public-order offenders, 

veterans’ sentences averaged nearly 2 years longer than 

nonveterans.

Federal inmates reported less variation in sentencing based 

on veteran status. On average sentences reported by veterans were less than a year longer than nonveterans. The 

percentage of veterans (22%) who reported a sentence of 

at least 20 years, life or death was similar to that reported by 

nonveterans (17%). The average total time expected to be 

served by veterans and nonveterans differed by 6 months.

Veterans were less likely than nonveteran prisoners to 

have used drugs 

Veterans (75%) in State prison reported past drug use less 

often than nonveterans (84%). Recent drug use showed 

greater differences — 42% of veterans used drugs in the 

month before their offense, compared to 58% of nonveterans. At the time of the offense, a quarter of veterans and a 

third of nonveterans were under the influence of drugs. The 

types of drugs used most commonly by each group were 

the same. Marijuana use was reported most often, followed 

by cocaine (including crack) and stimulants (including methamphetamines).

Drug use reported by Federal prisoners showed less variation by veteran status. Forty-three percent of veterans and 

51% of nonveterans reported drug use in the month before 

the offense. A quarter of each group reported using drugs at 

the time of the offense.

While veterans generally reported lower rates of prior drug 

use, they were more likely than nonveterans to report having used intravenous (IV) drugs at some time. Among State 

prisoners, 24% of veterans and 17% of nonveterans 

reported past IV drug use. In Federal prison, 17% of veterans and 11% of nonveterans reported intravenous drug use.

No relationship between veteran status and alcohol 

dependence or abuse

The 2004 survey included an alcohol and drug use assessment tool which was based on criteria defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV). Using this tool, no relationship between 

veteran status and alcohol dependence or abuse was 

found. Nearly equal percentages of veterans (43%) and 

nonveterans (44%) in State prison met the DSM-IV criteria 

for alcohol dependence or abuse in the 12 months prior to 

their prison admission. Based on DSM-IV criteria for drug 

use, veterans (43%) were less likely than other State prisoners (55%) to be dependent on or abusing illicit drugs.

Most serious offense

Mean maximum sentence length, 

State prisoners, 2004

Veterans Nonveterans

Violent 232 mos. 204 mos.

Homicide 326 308

Rape/sexual assault 236 208

Robbery 221 198

Assault 164 138

Property 122 100

Drug 100 88

Public-order 96 74

Note: Excludes inmates sentenced to life or death.

Federal prisoners, 2004

Veterans Nonveterans

Mean maximum sentence 138 mos. 127 mos.

Mean time to be served* 112 106

Note: See Appendix table 8 for more detail.

*Expected time to be served on current sentence.

Figure 3

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Veterans

Nonveterans

Reported prior drug use

Percent of State prisoners

Ever

In month

before offense

At time

of offense
6 Veterans in State and Federal Prison, 2004

Among Federal prisoners veteran status was unrelated to 

both alcohol and drug dependence or abuse. Equal percentages of veterans and nonveterans met the DSM-IV criteria 

for either alcohol or drug abuse or dependence.

Veteran status unrelated to inmate reports of mental 

health problems

Similar percentages of veteran (54%) and nonveterans 

(56%) in State prison met one of two criteria for a recent 

mental health problem — a recent history of mental health 

services or a report of recently experiencing symptoms of a 

mental health disorder. The symptoms were measured 

according to criteria defined in the DSM-IV.

Veterans in State prison (45%) were slightly less likely than 

nonveterans (50%) to report symptoms of mental health disorders in the last 12 months. These disorders included 

mania and psychotic disorders, as well as a major depressive episode. Among Federal prisoners, 35% of veterans 

and 40% of nonveterans reported these symptoms.

Despite experiencing fewer symptoms of mental health disorders, veterans (30%) were more likely than other State 

prisoners (24%) to report a recent history of mental health 

services. These services included an overnight hospital stay 

for a mental health problem, the use of prescribed medications, a diagnosis by a mental health professional, and participation in mental health therapy. 

Veterans may be more likely to have received mental health 

services for a variety of reasons. This difference may be 

partially explained by veterans’ access to VA services in the 

community which are not available to nonveterans. However, VA services may not be available to those veterans 

who failed to receive an honorable discharge (38% of veterans in State prison). It may also be that the symptoms 

reported by veteran inmates were more severe than those 

experienced by nonveterans. Given that veterans had a 

median age 12 years older than nonveterans, it is also possible that they have had more opportunities for a diagnosis.

Percent of prisoners meeting

criteria for dependence or abuse

Alcohol Drug Any substance

State prisoners

Veterans 43% 43% 61%

Nonveterans 44 55 67

Federal prisoners

Veterans 36% 46% 57%

Nonveterans 36 45 56

Despite generational differences, Vietnam-era and post-Cold War veterans in prison had similar backgrounds

Despite a median age gap of nearly 20 years, there 

was little measurable difference between State 

prisoners who served in the military during the 

Vietnam-era and those who enlisted after the close of 

the Cold War (1990 or later). 

While Vietnam-era veterans outnumbered post-Cold 

War veterans by 2-to-1, they were in State prison for 

the same types of crimes. Nearly equal percentages of 

Vietnam-era veterans (61%) and post-Cold War 

veterans (57%) were serving a sentence for a violent 

offense. The percentage serving sentences for drug 

crimes were also nearly identical (13% of Vietnam-era 

veterans, 12% of post-Cold War veterans).

Drug use patterns were also similar for both 

generations of military veterans. Around 40% of each 

group reported using drugs in the month before their 

offense, while a fifth of each group said they committed 

their current offense while under the influence of drugs. 

The overall level of substance abuse or dependence 

(about 60%) was similar among each groups of 

veterans.

While a majority post-Cold War veterans in State 

prison (57%) reported indications of a recent mental 

health problem, compared to 48% of Vietnam-era 

veterans, this difference was not statistically 

significant.

Percent of veterans in State 

prison, by service era, 2004

Selected

characteristics

Vietnam-era

(1964-1973)

Post-Cold War

(1990-2004)

Age (median) 53yrs. 35yrs.

Current offense

Violent 60.7% 57.4%

Property 13.0 17.0

Drug 12.6 11.9

Public-order 13.7 13.7

Prior drug use

Ever used 71.7% 72.0%

Used in the month before the offense 37.1 44.2

Under influence at time of the offense 21.0 19.9

Prior alcohol abuse

Regularly used 70.4% 66.4%

Under influence at time of the offense 32.6 24.6

Substance dependent or abusinga 58.7% 62.1%

Any mental health problemb 47.9% 56.7%

Estimated number of prisoners 43,400 20,200

aMeasures are shown in detail in Substance Dependence, Abuse, and 

Treatment of Jail Inmates, 2002 <http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/

sdatji02.htm>.

bMeasures are shown in detail in Appendix table 12. Also, see Mental 

Health Problems of Prison and Jail Inmates <http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/

bjs/abstract/mhppji.htm>.
Veterans in State and Federal Prison, 2004 7

Combat service not related to prevalence of recent 

mental health problems

In terms of mental health histories, there was little difference 

between combat veterans and noncombat veterans in State 

prison. Just over half of both combat and noncombat veterans reported any history of mental health problems. A third 

of both groups had a recent history of mental health services, of which therapy was the most common (20% of combat veterans, 22% of other veterans). Reports of recent 

symptoms of mental health disorders were also similar for 

both groups (40% of combat veterans, 45% of other veterans). Mania disorder was the most commonly reported disorder among both combat (33%) and noncombat (40%) veterans.

Methodology

Data in this report were based on personal interviews with 

prisoners, conducted through the Survey of Inmates in State 

and Federal Correctional Facilities, 2004. Conducted every 

5 or 6 years since 1974 (Federal facilities were added for 

the first time in 1991), the inmate surveys are the only 

national source of detailed information on criminal offenders, including special populations such as military veterans.

Detailed descriptions of the methodology and sample 

design of the surveys can be found in: Drug Use and 

Dependence, State and Federal Prisoners, 2004 <http://

www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/dudsfp04.htm>, and Mental 

Health Problems of Prison and Jail Inmates <http://

www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/mhppji.htm>. For generalized standard errors for the survey estimates presented in 

this report, see Appendix tables 13 and 14, available on the 

BJS website at <http:www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/

vsfp04.htm>. 

Estimates of the veteran population in the United States

This report includes incarceration rates for veteran and nonveteran adults in the U.S. population. These rates were calculated based on estimates of the veteran population generated by the VA Office of Policy, Planning and Preparedness. 

To estimate the size of the veteran population in the U.S., 

the VA uses the Veteran Population Model which incorporates data on military service from the decennial U.S. Census, discharge data from the DoD Defense Manpower Data 

Center (DMDC), and projections of separations from activeduty service generated by DoD’s Office of the Actuary. 

Incarceration rates for 1985 include veterans residing in 

Puerto Rico. (In 1990 VA estimated that 5.5% of veterans 

lived in Puerto Rico; in 2000 the estimate was 5.4%.) For 

more information on veteran population estimates and projections, see the VA Office of Policy veteran data web page 

<http://www1.va.gov/vetdata/>.

The U.S. Department of Labor also estimates the number of 

veterans living in the U.S. based on its Current Population 

Survey (CPS), which is a monthly household survey of 

about 60,000 U.S. households. Data on veteran status was 

collected in a biannual supplement to the August CPS collection, most recently collected in 2005. In August 2005 the 

CPS produced an estimate of 23,402,000 veterans in the 

U.S. resident population which was 3% lower than the VA 

estimate of 24,128,000 for September 2005.

The VA and CPS estimates also differ slightly in their definition of the term veteran. The VA estimates exclude persons 

who were dishonorably discharged from their military service. CPS estimates of veterans include all persons reporting active-duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces, regardless 

of discharge type. Both the VA and CPS estimates only 

include reservists who were called to active-duty. BJS 

defines veterans the same way as the CPS, and include all 

reserve-duty veterans.

Military prison statistics

In 1994 the DoD Corrections Council established an annual 

military confinement report. The council, comprising representatives from each branch of military service, adopted a 

standardized questionnaire with a common set of definitions. With the Corrections Council, BJS produced a series 

of tables that provide a unified profile of U.S. military personnel under the custody of U.S. military authorities. These 

counts include all U.S. military correctional facilities, including those located outside of the United States. Prisoners of 

war or enemy combatants held in U.S. military custody are 

not included in this collection.

Until 1998 these tables were included in Correctional Populations in the United States, a discontinued series. For the 

1998 edition of this report please see <http://

www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/cpusst.htm>. Since 1999 

the counts of U.S. military personnel held in military facilities 

have been presented in the annual Prisoners bulletin series. 

See Prisoners in 2005 <http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/

abstract/p05.htm>.

Percent of veterans

in State prison, 2004

Combat Noncombat

Any mental health problem 52% 55%

Recent history of mental health servicesa 31% 30%

Mental health therapy in year before arrest 20 22

Symptoms of mental health disordersb 40% 45%

Mania disorder 33 40

Estimated number of inmates 25,400 102,100

Note: See Appendix table 12 for details on these measures. aIn 12 months before arrest or at any time since admission.

bIn 12 months prior to interview.
U.S. Department of Justice

Office of Justice Programs

Bureau of Justice Statistics

Washington, DC 20531

Official Business

Penalty for Private Use $300

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Permit No. G-91

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8 Veterans in State and Federal Prison, 2004

This report in portable document 

format and in ASCII and its related 

statistical data and tables are 

available at the BJS World Wide 

Web Internet site: <http://

www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/

vsfp04.htm> 

The Bureau of Justice Statistics is 

the statistical agency of the U.S. 

Department of Justice. Jeffrey L. 

Sedgwick is director.

This Special Report was written by 

Margaret E. Noonan and 

Christopher J. Mumola, under the 

supervision of William J. Sabol. 

Laura M. Maruschak, Lauren E. 

Glaze, Tracy L. Snell and William 

J. Sabol verified the report. Tina 

Dorsey and Carolyn C. Williams of 

BJS produced and edited the 

report, assisted by Joanna 

Bradford. Jayne Robinson 

prepared the report for final 

printing, under the supervision of 

Doris J. James.

Tracy L. Snell, under the 

supervision of Allen J. Beck, was 

project manager for the Survey of 

Inmates in State and Federal 

Correctional Facilities. For a listing 

of U.S. Census Bureau offices and 

staff responsible for carrying out 

the Survey, see Drug Use and 

Dependence, State and Federal 

Prisoners, 2004 <http://www.ojp. 

usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/dudsfp04. 

htm>.

May 2007, NCJ 217199

Office of Justice Programs

Innovation • Partnerships • Safer 

Neighborhoods
Veterans in State and Federal Prison, 2004 9

Appendix table 1. Military service of veterans in State and Federal prison 

Percent of veterans in prison

State Federal

2004 1997 2004 1997

In which branch of the U.S. 

Armed Forces did you serve?a

Army 56.1% 58.6% 56.2% 58.4%

Navy 21.9 17.2 17.3 14.0

Marine Corps 14.3 15.6 17.5 16.2

Air Force 8.6 8.9 10.6 11.9

Coast Guard 1.0 0.9 0.5 0.5

Otherb 0.9 1.3 0 1.2

During your service, did you see 

combat in a combat or line unit?

Yes 19.9% 20.1% 25.7% 20.2%

No 80.1 79.9 74.3 79.8

Length of military service

12 months or less 15.4% 14.6% 9.0% 10.3%

13-24 months 21.5 19.2 19.8 19.5

25-36 months 21.5 25.0 20.7 25.7

37-60 months 20.1 21.1 25.1 24.4

61 months or longer 21.5 20.0 25.4 20.0

Mean length of service 46 mos. 45 mos. 53 mos. 48 mos.

Type of discharge

Honorable 61.6% 59.0% 65.3% 65.4%

General, honorable conditions 16.9 17.0 15.9 15.3

General, without honorable 

conditions 3.1 7.3 1.9 5.7

Other than honorablec 8.8 4.4 6.4 5.6

Bad conduct 3.0 2.9 2.5 1.4

Dishonorable 2.8 2.8 5.6 2.2

Otherd 3.7 6.6 2.4 4.5

Estimated number of veterans 127,500 134,400 12,500 14,800

aDetail adds to more than 100% because veterans may have served in more than one branch of 

the U.S. Armed Forces.

bIncludes National Guard or reserve service in an unspecified branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. cIncludes discharges listed as “undesirable.” 

dIncludes cases where the nature of the discharge was known, such as entry-level and medical 

separations, but the type of discharge was unknown. 

Appendix table 2. Wartime service of veteran inmates 

Percent of veterans inmates

State Federal

Time of military service 2004 1997 2004 1997

Peacetime 45.8% 50.3% 35.5% 39.0%

Wartime 54.2 49.7 64.5 61.0

World War II (1941-45) or Korean conflict era (1950-53) 2.4 4.2 3.4 5.8

Vietnam War era (1964-1973) 35.6 35.3 39.4 43.3

Persian Gulf War (1990-1991) 14.0 11.7 20.9 12.9

Afghanistan/Iraq (2002-2004) 3.7 ~ 4.5 ~

Note: Veterans may have served during more than one period of wartime.

~Not applicable.
10 Veterans in State and Federal Prison, 2004

Appendix table 3. Selected characteristics of State and Federal prisoners,

by veteran status, 2004

Percent of veterans in prison, 2004

State Federal

Veterans Nonveterans Veterans Nonveterans

Gender

Male 99.0% 92.6% 98.8% 92.4%

Female 1.0 7.4 1.2 7.6

Race/Hispanic origin

White non-Hispanic 54.1% 33.1% 49.0% 23.6%

Black non-Hispanic 32.1 41.5 37.6 44.1

Hispanic 6.2 19.6 5.3 27.3

Other* 7.7 5.8 8.0 5.1

Age

24 or younger 2.7% 19.0% 1.2% 9.9%

25-34 11.0 35.6 19.1 40.5

35-44 35.0 30.0 24.3 29.4

45-54 33.1 11.9 32.9 15.4

55 or older 18.2 3.5 22.4 4.8

Median 45 yrs. 33 yrs. 46 yrs. 34 yrs.

Marital status

Married 22.1% 15.8% 25.0% 26.1%

Widowed 3.6 1.8 3.6 0.9

Divorced 42.7 17.0 43.5 17.7

Separated 6.1 5.0 5.5 5.1

Never married 25.5 60.4 22.4 50.2

Education completed

8th grade or less 2.6% 13.3% 1.9% 11.3%

Some high school 6.3 26.9 4.5 17.6

GED 29.8 34.6 21.6 34.1

High school graduate 28.6 15.6 30.4 17.4

Some college or more 32.6 9.7 41.6 19.6

*Excludes persons of Hispanic origin. Includes Asians, American Indians, Alaska Natives, 

Native Hawaiians, other Pacific Islanders, and inmates who specified more than one race.
Veterans in State and Federal Prison, 2004 11

Appendix table 5. Offenders in military 

correctional facilities, 1997 and 2004

Percent of prisoners in 

military facilities

Type of offense 2004 1997

Violent 46.2% 52.2%

Homicidea 7.6 11.1

Rape 12.5 15.8

Other sexual assault 16.6 14.8

Robbery 0.9 1.7

Assault 7.2 8.6

Other violentb 1.4 0.3

Property 13.1% 17.2%

Drug 21.7 20.2

Public-order 1.6 1.7

Military offensesc 14.4 7.6

Other 3.0 1.2

Number of prisonersd 1,916 2,466

aIncludes negligent and other types of manslaughter.

bIncludes kidnapping.

cIncludes desertion, AWOL, disrespect, 

insubordination, failure to obey, false offense 

statement, conduct unbecoming an officer, 

and other infractions.

dExcludes unconvicted inmates.

Source: U.S. Department of Defense Corrections Council.

Appendix table 4. Current offense of State and Federal prisoners,

by veteran status, 2004 

Percent of veterans in prison, 2004

State Federal

Current offense Veterans Nonveterans Veterans Nonveterans

Violent offenses 57.4% 46.8% 19.0% 14.1%

Homicidea 14.9 11.8 3.2 2.3

Sexual assaultb 22.5 9.4 3.3 0.6

Robbery 8.4 13.1 10.3 8.3

Assault 9.0 10.3 2.0 2.0

Other violent 2.6 2.2 0.4 0.8

Property offenses 15.6% 19.1% 10.5% 6.1%

Burglary 6.4 8.4 0 0.5

Larceny 3.9 3.9 0.6 0.4

Motor vehicle theft 1.2 1.8 0 0.4

Fraud 2.7 2.9 9.0 4.2

Other propertyc 1.3 2.2 0.9 0.6

Drug offenses 15.0% 22.1% 46.3% 56.2%

Possession 5.6 6.0 0.9 3.2

Trafficking 9.0 15.5 44.8 51.1

Other drug 0.4 0.6 0.6 2.0

Public-order offenses 12.0% 11.8% 22.9% 20.2%

Weapons 0.9 2.7 12.2 10.8

Other public-order 11.1 9.2 10.7 9.4

Other/unspecified 0.0% 0.2% 1.3% 3.4%

Note: Details may not add to total due to rounding.

aIncludes murder and manslaughter.

bIncludes rape and other sexual assault.

cIncludes stolen property and arson.
12 Veterans in State and Federal Prison, 2004

Appendix table 7. Criminal history of State and Federal prisoners, 

by veteran status, 2004 

Percent of veterans in prison, 2004

State Federal

Veterans Nonveterans Veterans Nonveterans

Status at time of current arrest

None 67.2% 55.7% 75.6% 72.8%

Status 32.8 44.3 24.4 27.2

On parole 16.6 18.9 11.4 12.5

On probation 15.8 24.9 12.6 14.3

Escape 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.4

Criminal history

None 29.8% 22.8% 40.0% 34.7%

Prior 70.2 77.2 60.0 65.3

Violent recidivistsa 42.6 44.0 23.1 25.6

Drug recidivists only 2.0 3.6 7.4 8.5

Other recidivistsb 25.6 29.7 29.5 31.1

Number of prior probation/

incarceration sentences

0 31.7% 24.8% 41.7% 36.0%

1 16.1 15.4 17.6 15.6

2 17.5 15.7 13.7 15.3

3-5 18.3 25.9 19.6 20.9

6-10 11.2 12.5 6.0 8.6

11 or more 5.4 5.7 1.4 3.7

Note: Details may not add to total due to rounding.

aRecidivists with at least one current or past violent offense.

bIncludes recidivists with unknown offense types.

Appendix table 6. Victim characteristics and use of weapon, 

by veteran status of violent State prisoners, 2004 

Percent of violent State prisoners

Veterans Nonveterans

Gender of victim(s)

Male 33.3% 48.6%

Female 60.4 40.9

Both males and females 6.3 10.5

Age of youngest victim

12 or younger 19.9% 10.1%

13-17 20.2 14.3

18-24 12.8 20.1

25-34 20.5 25.9

35-54 22.6 24.5

55 or older 4.0 5.2

Victim-offender relationship

Knew victima 70.9% 54.3%

Relative 25.1 10.9

Intimateb 12.0 10.2

Friend/acquaintance 24.9 24.1

Otherc 5.8 6.1

Knew none of the victims 29.1 45.7

Use of a weapon

Yes 29.5% 37.8%

No 70.5 62.2

Note: Details may not add to total due to rounding.

aMore than one victim may have been reported.

bIncludes (ex-)spouse, (ex-)boyfriend, and (ex-)girlfriend.

c

Includes those known by sight only.
Veterans in State and Federal Prison, 2004 13

Appendix table 8. Maximum sentence length and time to be served until release, 

by veteran status, State and Federal prisoners, 2004

Percent of veterans in prison, 2004

State Federal

Veterans Nonveterans Veterans Nonveterans

Maximum sentence length

Less than 12 months 2.9% 3.5% 0.9% 1.6%

12-35 months 9.8 14.8 16.4 10.5

36-59 months 9.6 14.1 9.3 13.7

60-119 months 20.1 23.2 22.9 26.6

120-179 months 12.1 11.9 18.7 20.2

180-239 months 8.3 7.8 9.6 9.9

240 or longer months 24.0 16.7 19.1 14.7

Life/death 13.2 8.1 3.1 2.8

Meana 147 mos. 119 mos. 138 mos. 127 mos.

Total time to be served on current sentenceb

Less than 24 months 10.9% 16.7% 9.0% 5.9%

24-47 months 13.8 18.7 9.9 13.7

48-71 months 20.1 18.6 11.5 16.7

72-119 months 15.0 14.0 22.1 18.3

120-179 months 11.7 9.4 14.4 13.5

180-239 months 6.0 5.2 6.7 5.8

240 or longer months 12.0 7.4 6.8 6.6

No release expected 5.4 3.1 2.4 1.6

Don't know 5.2 6.8 17.1 17.9

Meanc 112 mos. 90 mos. 112 mos. 106 mos.

aExcludes sentences to life or death.

bBased on time served when interviewed, plus time remaining to be served until the expected 

date of release.

c

Excludes inmates who do not expect to be released. 
14 Veterans in State and Federal Prison, 2004

Appendix table 9. Drug use of State and Federal prisoners, by type of drug 

and veteran status, 2004 

Percent of inmates who reported

Ever using drugs

Using drugs in the month 

before offense

Using drugs at the time 

of the offense

Veterans Nonveterans Veterans Nonveterans Veterans Nonveterans

State prisoners

Any druga 74.5% 84.3% 42.5% 57.6% 23.6% 33.1%

Marijuana/hashish 69.9 78.5 25.7 42.0 8.3 16.2

Cocaine/crack 46.6 46.9 18.7 21.8 10.9 11.9

Heroin/opiates 25.5 23.2 7.2 8.3 3.4 4.5

Depressantsb 25.8 20.8 4.8 5.4 1.7 2.1

Stimulantsc 34.5 27.9 11.9 12.2 6.0 6.8

Methamphetamines 26.6 23.1 10.4 10.9 5.0 6.2

Hallucinogensd 32.8 32.9 2.6 6.3 1.1 2.1

Inhalants 14.8 13.5 1.0 1.0 / /

Federal prisoners

Any druga 75.5% 79.2% 42.6% 51.1% 24.2% 26.7%

Marijuana/hashish 71.8 71.2 29.0 37.1 9.5 14.4

Cocaine/crack 46.4 43.0 15.8 18.2 6.6 7.5

Heroin/opiates 20.8 17.6 4.8 5.9 4.2 3.1

Depressantsb 21.0 16.4 1.1 4.8 0.6 1.5

Stimulantsc 26.5 20.4 13.8 10.5 7.9 7.4

Methamphetamines 20.4 17.6 12.6 9.8 7.9 7.1

Hallucinogensd 24.7 26.0 2.3 6.2 0.8 2.0

Inhalants 9.2 7.3 0.8 0.9 / /

/Not reported.

aOther unspecified drugs are included in the totals.

bIncludes barbiturates, tranquilizers, and quaaludes.

c

Includes amphetamine and methamphetamine.

dIncludes LSD, PCP, and ecstasy.

Appendix table 10. Alcohol use histories of State and Federal prisoners, 

by veteran status, 2004

Percent of prisoners, 2004

State Federal

Self-report of alcohol use Veterans Nonveterans Veterans Nonveterans

Regularly used alcohol 69.7% 63.0% 66.3% 60.9%

Used alcohol at time of offense 31.1 31.1 18.5 17.9

Binge drinking* 38.8 37.2 34.3 30.6

*Binge drinking is defined as having consumed as much as a fifth of liquor in a single day, equivalent to 20 drinks, 3 bottles of wine, or as many as 3 six-packs of beer. 
Veterans in State and Federal Prison, 2004 15

Appendix table 12. Recent history and symptoms of mental health problems 

among State and Federal prisoners, by veteran status, 2004

Percent of inmates in prison

State Federal

Mental health problem Veterans Nonveterans Veterans Nonveterans

Any mental health problem 54.4% 56.5% 42.9% 45.0%

Recent history of mental health servicesa 29.9% 23.6% 20.7% 13.0%

Told had disorder by mental health professional 11.6 9.2 9.6 4.9

Had overnight hospital stay 8.5 5.1 3.6 1.9

Used prescribed medications 23.0 17.4 16.1 9.6

Had professional mental health therapy 21.1 14.4 11.4 8.0

Symptoms of mental health disordersb 44.7% 49.7% 35.0% 40.2%

Major depressive episode 23.3 23.6 17.0 15.9

Mania disorder 38.1 43.8 31.2 35.5

Psychotic disorder 13.6 15.6 5.7 10.6

Note: Measures of recent mental health problems were based on criteria defined in the Diagnostic 

and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV). See Mental Health Problems of 

Prison and Jail Inmates <http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/mhppji.htm>. aIn year before arrest or at any time since admission.

bIn 12 months prior to interview.

Appendix table 11. Substance abuse treatment history of State and Federal 

prisoners, by veteran status, 2004 

Percent of substance abuse treatment in prison

State Federal

Veterans Nonveterans Veterans Nonveterans

Ever any treatment or programs 55.3% 57.4% 51.5% 51.7%

Any treatment 30.4 31.1 26.7 24.2

Other alcohol/drug programs 46.3 46.2 40.4 42.3

Participation while under correctional 

supervision 46.8% 49.9% 43.5% 45.7%

Any treatment 21.6 24.4 19.1 19.5

Other alcohol/drug programs 40.4 41.1 34.0 39.0

Participated since admission 32.4% 34.3% 30.5% 34.2%

Any treatment 10.2 11.2 9.8 10.3

Residential facility or unit 5.8 7.2 5.2 5.7

Counseling by a professional 5.2 4.8 4.7 4.9

Detoxification unit 0.5 0.7 0.0 0.6

Maintenance drug 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.2

Other alcohol/drug programs 28.9% 29.9% 24.4% 29.9%

Self-help group/peer counseling 22.6 23.7 12.3 16.1

Education program 14.5 14.1 16.1 21.0
16 Veterans in State and Federal Prison, 2004

Appendix table 13. Standard errors of the estimated 

percentages, State prison inmates, 2004

Base of the 

estimate

Estimated percentages

98 or 2 90 or 10 80 or 20 70 or 30 60 or 40 50

1,000 7.14 15.31 20.41 23.39 25.00 25.52

2,000 5.05 10.83 14.43 16.54 17.68 18.04

2,500 4.52 9.68 12.91 14.79 15.81 16.14

5,000 3.20 6.85 9.13 10.46 11.18 11.41

10,000 2.26 4.84 6.46 7.40 7.91 8.07

20,000 1.60 3.42 4.56 5.23 5.59 5.71

30,000 1.30 2.80 3.73 4.27 4.56 4.66

50,000 1.01 2.17 2.89 3.31 3.54 3.61

100,000 0.71 1.53 2.04 2.34 2.50 2.55

127,522a 0.63 1.36 1.81 2.07 2.21 2.26

200,000 0.51 1.08 1.44 1.65 1.77 1.80

400,000 0.36 0.77 1.02 1.17 1.25 1.28

600,000 0.29 0.63 0.83 0.95 1.02 1.04

800,000 0.25 0.54 0.72 0.83 0.88 0.90

1,098,649b 0.22 0.46 0.62 0.71 0.75 0.77

1,226,200 0.20 0.44 0.58 0.67 0.71 0.73

aThe total weighted estimate of veteran State prisoners, 2004.

bThe total weighted estimate of nonveteran State prisoners, 2004.

Appendix table 14. Standard errors of the estimated 

percentages, Federal prison inmates, 2004

Base of the 

estimate

Estimated percentages

98 or 2 90 or 10 80 or 20 70 or 30 60 or 40 50

200 10.01 21.44 28.59 32.75 35.01 35.74

500 6.33 13.56 18.08 20.71 22.14 22.60

1,000 4.47 9.59 12.79 14.65 15.66 15.98

2,000 3.16 6.78 9.04 10.36 11.07 11.30

5,000 2.00 4.29 5.72 6.55 7.00 7.15

7,500 1.63 3.50 4.67 5.35 5.72 5.84

9,063 1.49 3.19 4.25 4.87 5.20 5.31

12,500a 1.27 2.71 3.62 4.14 4.43 4.52

15,000 1.16 2.48 3.30 3.78 4.04 4.13

25,000 0.89 1.92 2.56 2.93 3.13 3.20

40,000 0.71 1.52 2.02 2.32 2.48 2.53

50,000 0.63 1.36 1.81 2.07 2.21 2.26

75,000 0.52 1.11 1.48 1.69 1.81 1.85

100,000 0.45 0.96 1.28 1.46 1.57 1.60

116,796b 0.41 0.89 1.18 1.36 1.45 1.48

129,300 0.39 0.84 1.12 1.29 1.38 1.41

aThe total weighted estimate of veteran Federal prisoners, 2004.

bThe total weighted estimate of nonveteran Federal prisoners, 2004.