Policy Currents | The newsletter for policy people
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** Nov. 6, 2025
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Data to Help Support America's Veterans
Ahead of Veterans Day, a new RAND report offers fresh insights into the lives of America's veterans--their demographics, mental health, employment, education, and more. Here are some of the key takeaways:
- Veterans make up a declining share of the U.S. adult population: 6.1 percent in 2023, down from 11.7 percent in 2011.
- Post-9/11 veterans represent 28.1 percent of the veteran population and are younger and more diverse than earlier cohorts. However, veterans are older and less racially and ethnically diverse than nonveterans overall.
- Younger veterans face the highest burden of mental health and substance use issues. Rates often exceed those observed in nonveterans of the same age.
- Veterans are generally well integrated into the civilian workforce. In fact, the veteran unemployment rate is slightly lower than that of nonveterans.
- College enrollment remains lower among veterans. And many veterans who are enrolled work while attending school.
Our new report should be valuable to anyone working to support veterans. It can be used to inform policies and services that meet the evolving needs of those who served.
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More on Veterans ⤵
- The RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Research Institute has a wealth of helpful resources, including a series of explainers on challenges affecting veterans and their families.
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- RAND's Carrie Farmer, one of the institute's codirectors, will be our guest on a special Veterans Day episode of Policy Minded. Subscribe to the podcast now so you don't miss it.
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- No newsletter on Tuesday; RAND is closed on Veterans Day. Policy Currents will be back in your inbox on Thursday, November 13.
Gaza Peace Plan: History Reveals Lessons About the Tough Road Ahead
The ceasefire agreement, the return of living hostages, and the flow of desperately needed humanitarian aid are vital steps toward lasting peace in Gaza. The real test now, says RAND's Brian Michael Jenkins, is sustaining the momentum through the "high hurdles" ahead. Disarmament, demobilization, and amnesty will be the most difficult hurdles to clear. Past negotiations that ended insurgencies and terrorist campaigns may offer valuable lessons for how to move forward.
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Millions of Americans Are Grieving Loved Ones Lost to Overdose
RAND research finds that more than 40 percent of U.S. adults have known someone who died from an overdose. Many say that loss disrupted their lives. Yet the people left behind often grieve in silence--isolated by stigma and a lack of support. On RAND's Policy Minded podcast, lead author Alison Athey discusses why this aspect of the overdose crisis is often overlooked and what might be done to help those affected. Her message to anyone mourning a loved one: "You're not alone in your grief."
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** RAND Recommends
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- RAND researchers explain how the United States tackled its federal debt in the past--and how to do so again.
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- David Makovsky of the Washington Institute and RAND's Shira Efron explain how the Palestinian Authority could be part of the solution in Gaza.
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- A new RAND tool can help inform the oversight of high-consequence biological research.
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** Events
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The Geopolitics of AGI
Thursday, November 20, 2025 (Online)
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Military Exposures and Mental, Behavioral, and Neurologic Health Outcomes Among Post-9/11 Veterans
Thursday, November 20, 2025 (Online)
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How Can the UK Better Support Its Young People?
Wednesday, November 26, 2025 (Online)
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** Learn Policy Analysis from RAND Experts
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At the RAND School of Public Policy, you'll gain the skills and knowledge needed to shape a better tomorrow. Full-time and part-time master's degree programs are available at our campuses in Santa Monica, CA, and Arlington, VA.
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