It's my understanding that during World War II, almost 11 percent of the population of the United States served in the military. Based on today's population, that would be about 34 million Americans. We are not engaged in a great conflict now, so it is understandable that we have a fewer number of persons in the Armed Services, approximately 1.3 million Americans. However, those numbers are important tools to show the depth of commitment that would be required of us if another great conflict were to arise. Not to be too skeptical, but I just don't see 33 million people stepping up to the task. And drones don't finish wars.
Moderator's Note: Other sources quote 1.5 million serving.