1. San Diego County is home to the largest military complex in the world, 35% of U.S. Marine Corps’ and 32% of the U.S. Navy’s personnel are stationed here. 2. Over 35% of the County’s population is military-connected: active-duty, dependents, retirees, veterans or civilians working for the military. 3. More than 80,000 retired military reside in San Diego County. These retirees are known as the two- or sometimes three-paycheck families. 4. Annually, $41 billion flows into California’s economy due to the presence of the U.S. Military. More than 1/3 of that amount is directly associated with military pay and allowances generated in San Diego. Another $8 billion is attributed indirectly to government contracts, such as shipbuilding and shipyard repair. 5. Current active-duty personnel can receive up to $3,500 a year in tuition assistance. Of course when they leave the military, those benefits increase upwards to $50,000. Even their spouses have various plans available to them. Demographic Information about San Diego’s Military: · 73% of active-duty personnel are male, average age 26 years old · 74% are ranked E-4 and above · 15% are officers · 16% are retired · 55% are married · 73% live off base · 80% own their own vehicle (22% own motorcycles) · 100% shop at civilian department or specialty stores, averaging 4.3 times per month · 91% have a major credit card · 95% plan on furthering their education · 48% plan on buying a personal computer · 88% plan on buying video, stereos or speakers · 18% perform their own auto maintenance · 61% plan on buying a new vehicle within 12 months · 93% traveled by civilian airlines within the last year, averaging 2.5 trips per person · 10.2 years (average length of active duty) Source – Navy Dispatch