Birth Patterns among American Army Officers

Summary An analysis of the birthdates of 12,000 army officers taken from the USA Army Register, 1972 (14) shows a distribution very similar to the “M” shaped curve peaking in summer and autumn previously described for British army officers. A comparison of the birth patterns of male and female officers shows a number of similarities, but also some differences, perhaps reflecting their differing involvement as army officers. It is suggested that among the numerous factors likely to contribute to the patterns described, climatic, and perhaps also endogenous, variables are likely to be important.