Mission First: How Military Experience Is Shaping Today’s Corporate Boards — And What MyLogIQ’s Data Reveals
As companies navigate a landscape defined by rapid change, geopolitical complexity, and rising stakeholder expectations, Agenda finds that boards are increasingly looking for directors who bring resilience, strategic clarity, and crisis-tested leadership. One surprising but powerful source of such talent? Military veterans.
A growing number of public company boards are welcoming military-experienced directors—leaders who bring a “mission first” mindset and a disciplined approach to oversight. And thanks to new CompanyIQ® data from MyLogIQ, we now have a clearer picture of how widespread this corporate governance trend has become and why it matters.
Military Experience on Boards Has Nearly Doubled — MyLogIQ Data Shows the Shift
A decade ago, only a few hundred board members across the Russell 3000 had military experience. But according to MyLogIQ’s review of public company proxy statements, the presence of directors with military backgrounds has surged:
- 2015: 293 directors with military experience
- 2024: 569 directors — nearly double
This dramatic increase underscores boards’ growing appreciation for the leadership qualities veterans bring. Yet despite this growth, MyLogIQ’s data also shows that military representation remains relatively rare—only 2.1% of Russell 3000 directors in 2024 served in the military.
