Number in Military Drops to 2.14 Million
The number of active duty members of the U.S. military services dropped by 18,727 in March to 2,143,129, close to the budget manpower reduction goal set for 1988, the Pentagon announced Tuesday.
Maj. David Super said the Pentagon has set a goal for the Oct. 1 start of the 1989 fiscal year of 2,138,327 members to comply with congressional budget cuts, which call for 35,890 fewer members than last Oct. 1.
The numbers include all active duty members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force as well as cadets in the military academies. Super said the Pentagon plans to hold the number level during 1989.
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