During a recent webinar training, “Researching your Indigenous Ancestors,” the facilitator stated that Native Americans have the highest military rate per capita in the United States.
I believed her yet as all good genealogist researchers know: Trust yet verify.
She was right as Indigenous ancestors have bested Blacks and others in their loyalty to the U.S. military, according to the U.S. Department of Defense:
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Native Americans represent less than 2% of the U.S. population, yet
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Native Americans comprise 1.7%–2.5% of active-duty service, which is disproportionately high in comparisons to other demographic groups. and
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Some tribes report 25%+ of adult males are veterans — far above the national average.
Historians and Native leaders attribute the high rate of Indigenous military service to a number of factors:
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Warrior tradition — Many Nations regard community defense as a cultural responsibility.
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Land defense — Some Native veterans say they serve because the land is ancestral, and protecting America is protecting their homeland.
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Economic opportunity — Military service offered pay, skills, and travel in communities facing structural poverty.
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Honor and community status — Veterans often hold respected roles in tribal ceremonies and civic life.
For my family researchers of their ancestors, check all records for authenticity in Indigenous lineage and historical data in all branches of the U.S. military.
https://seminoletribune.org/native-americans-service-in-u-s-military-focus-of-the-warrior-tradition-documentary-on-pbs/
