In 2002, there were 4,239 active-duty military personnel stationed in Connecticut. The principal military installation in the state is the US Navy submarine base at Groton. Across the Thames River in New London is one of the nation's four service academies—the US Coast Guard Academy. Founded in 1876 and located at its present site since 1932, this institution offers a four-year curriculum leading to a BS degree and a commission as ensign in the Coast Guard.
In fiscal year 2001, the value of defense contracts was $4.2 billion, and defense payroll amounted to $581 million.
There were 310,069 veterans of US military service in Connecticut as of 2000, of whom 75,822 served in World War II; 42,918 in the Korean conflict; 87,712 during the Vietnam era; and 21,180 during 1990–2000 (including the Persian Gulf War). Veterans' benefits in fiscal year 2002 totaled $485million.
In 2000, the Connecticut State Police employed 1,135 full-time sworn officers.