Military Times invited current and former subscribers to Army Times, Navy Times, Marine Corps Times and Air Force Times who provided email addresses to participate in the online survey. Security measures ensured online users could take the survey only once. In July and August, more than 10,000 service members, reservists, retirees and their spouses took the survey, including more than 2,200 who are currently on active duty.
The Military Times Poll is based on responses from those who chose to participate. As such, it is impossible to calculate statistical margins of error commonly reported in opinion surveys, which depend on random sampling techniques. Older service members, including field-grade officers and senior noncommissioned officers, are disproportionately represented in the survey, so the results may skew to reflect the views of the career force rather than the junior enlisted ranks.
