Afghanistan veterans had the highest unemployment rate of Gulf War-era II veterans in August 2024

In August 2024, 40 percent of Gulf War-era II veterans (those who have served at any time since September 2001) reported serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, or both locations. The unemployment rate for these veterans, at 5.0 percent, changed little over the year. The unemployment rate for veterans that served elsewhere during this era was also little changed, at 3.0 percent.

The unemployment rate of Gulf War-era II veterans who served in Afghanistan increased from 2.6 percent in August 2023 to 7.3 percent in August 2024. Those who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan had an unemployment rate of 5.1 percent in August 2024, similar to 4.1 percent in August 2023.

Overall, all veterans had an unemployment rate of 3.7 percent in August 2024 following a rate of 3.9 percent in August 2023.

These data are from the Current Population Survey (CPS) August 2024 supplement that collected additional information about veterans on topics such as service-connected disability and veterans' current or past Reserve or National Guard membership. We have more information about veteran employment and unemployment at “Employment Situation of Veterans — 2024.” Veterans are men and women who previously served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and were civilians when they were surveyed. People on active duty are not included in the survey. Iraq veterans include all those who served in Iraq at any time since March 2003, whether or not they also served in Afghanistan. Afghanistan veterans include all those who served in Afghanistan at any time since October 2001, whether or not they also served in Iraq.