Investor Presentaiton
The military plays an important role in Alaska's economy.
The military has played an very important role in Alaska's history and economy. During World War II
hundreds of thousands of troops were sent to Alaska. The army built the Alaska Highway and many
other roads, airfields, and military bases, transforming Alaska's transportation infrastructure and
economy. At statehood 35% of Alaska jobs were military. Since statehood, the number of military has
declined, while the rest of the economy has grown. In 2006, there were about 23,000 active duty
military in Alaska-representing about 7% of total jobs. With the deployments of many Alaska-based
military units to Iraq and Afghanistan, in recent years Alaskans have become much more aware of the
presence of the military in Alaska and their importance to our communities and economy.
WWII: A wrecked P-38
in the Aleutians
Eielson Air Force Base
Military Employment as % of Total Employment
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
Number of Active-Duty Military in Alaska
25% of
jobs in
1969
were
military
35,000
7% of
jobs in
2006 were
30,000
military
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
Military Employment
OS
2020
0%
1975
1977
1979
1981
1983
1985
1987
1989
0
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