Amid drills, deployments, and duty shifts, an unlikely investing powerhouse has emerged within the ranks of the U.S. military.
As detailed in a December 2025 Wall Street Journal report titled "Top Gun Traders: Stock Bets and Crypto Culture Take Over the Military," servicemembers are fueling personal fortunes through aggressive trading in tech stocks, Bitcoin, and niche cryptocurrencies - transforming bases into informal "elite investment clubs."
Stable paychecks, hazard bonuses, and guaranteed pensions provide a financial foundation rare among young adults, enabling troops to dive deep into markets. Word-of-mouth tips fly during downtime: on aircraft carrier decks, in squadron chats mid-flight, or barracks late nights. Apps like Robinhood and Coinbase make execution seamless, even from remote postings.
Crypto Craze on Bases
The trend exploded during the 2020-2021 bull run. IRS data analyzed by WSJ revealed that in 2020, eight of the top 25 U.S. ZIP codes with the highest cryptocurrency transaction reports were near military installations.
Bitcoin's price quadrupled that year, and bases like Vandenberg Space Force Base and Luke Air Force Base became hotspots for crypto enthusiasm.
One Air Force pilot recalled missions turning into impromptu investment seminars, with colleagues pitching everything from covered calls to Bitcoin. A Coast Guard petty officer turned influencer now earns five figures monthly dispensing advice to fellow troops via TikTok.
From Wins to Warnings
Success stories abound: A retired Air Force officer built multimillion-dollar wealth through index funds and rentals. A Space Force captain bets big on nuclear energy stocks amid AI data center demand. Parking lots brim with new Porsches and Hummers as gains mount.
Yet risks loom. Some chase leverage, suffering six-figure losses in single days on volatile products. Scams claimed hundreds of thousands from one helicopter pilot. Many are young, battle-tested in up markets only, with little downside experience.
Why the Military?
Military culture fosters this: Discipline aids long-term holding, camaraderie builds knowledge-sharing networks, and financial literacy programs (plus VA zero-down loans for properties) encourage participation. Post-Fukushima underinvestment left troops seeking side income; pandemic-era memes and crypto hype hooked a generation.
As markets hit records in late 2025, this "lethal investing club" rides the wave - but experts warn of bubble risks and addiction parallels.
In barracks and beyond, America's fighters are proving adept at another battlefield: Wall Street. Whether sustainable or speculative frenzy, the U.S. military's market muscle is now undeniable.
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Author: Slava Vasipenok
Founder and CEO of QUASA (quasa.io) - Daily insights on Web3, AI, Crypto, and Freelance. Stay updated on finance, technology trends, and creator tools - with sources and real value.
Innovative entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in IT, fintech, and blockchain. Specializes in decentralized solutions for freelancing, helping to overcome the barriers of traditional finance, especially in developing regions.
This is not financial or investment advice. Always do your own research (DYOR).
