In 2002, there were 7,465 active-duty military personnel and 1,621 civilian personnel stationed in North Dakota, the majority of whom were stationed at the Strategic Air Command bases at Minot and Grand Forks. North Dakota firms received more than $159 million in defense contract awards in 2002.
According to the 2000 Census, 61,365 veterans were living in North Dakota, including 11,604 from World War II; 8,174 from the Korean conflict; 18,780 from the Vietnam era; and 7,805 during 1990–2000 (including the Persian Gulf War). A total of more than $152 million was spent on major veterans' benefit programs in the state in 2002.
In 2000, the North Dakota Highway Patrol employed 126 full-time sworn officers.