The Military’s Positive Image and the Defense Budget

A number of different survey results confirm the high regard Americans have for the military. Our annual confidence in institutions update shows that the military scores higher than any other single institution in public confidence rankings. Americans give military officers high honesty and ethics ratings, usually near the top of the list of all professions tested. This past January, Americans indicated they were more satisfied with the nation’s military strength and preparedness than with any of 21 other aspects of the nation’s current situation.

Do these positive attitudes toward the military translate into strong public support for an increased military budget? Not necessarily, according to Gallup’s latest update of two trend questions asking about U.S. military funding and military strength. CONT.

Frank Newport, Gallup