Work

The long run effects of military service on localities: Evidence from 9/11 attacks

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: By leveraging differential changes in enlistment rates brought about by the September 11th attacks (9/11), we investigate the effect of being born into a county that experienced a sharp enlistment increase following 9/11. Using restricted microdata, we identify hundreds of “surge” counties in which certain birth-county cohorts exhibit large enlistment responses to 9/11. Individuals born into surge counties and aged 18-24 at 9/11, enlisted at twice the rate of older cohorts, experienced a 10% increase in wages, decreased unemployment, impacts on marriage and fertility, and increases in hospitalization and mortality. Labor market benefits outweigh mortality costs at standard discount rates. Together, these findings represent a first attempt at understanding the spillover effects of enlistment for local communities. • Little research has examined effects on areas sending people to serve in military. • Investigate association with being born into county that experienced enlistment increase. • Individuals born into surge counties, enlisted at twice the rate of older cohorts. • They experienced a 10% increase in wages and decreased unemployment. • Impacts on marriage and fertility, and increases in hospitalization and mortality. • Labor market benefits outweigh mortality costs at standard discount rates.

Source: The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance

DOI: 10.1016/j.qref.2026.102142

Authors: John Anders, Craig Wesley Carpenter

Institutions: Trinity University, Texas A&M University, Michigan State University

Language: English

Topic: Defense, Military, and Policy Studies

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,740