There are currently 1.2 million people serving in the armed forces, more than 23 million veterans and more than 420 military installations in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico. U.S. military operations touch every state in some way, and state legislatures are playing a larger role in military issues. NCSL tracks a variety of military and veterans issues, including: development near military installations; military-community partnerships to respond to mission change; veteran employment initiatives and hiring preferences; education programs; mental health; housing; and benefits for military personnel, veterans and their dependents.