[_delirium]

The article is also using an extremely broad definition of the labor force: anyone over the age of 16. That definition can be useful for some demographic calculations, but I don't think it supports the conclusions being drawn here. In addition to your categories, it includes millions of retirees.

[sliverstorm]

What on earth is wrong with that? Just because you're still in high school is no excuse not to be pulling your weight 40 hours a week (harrumph)

[jrmg]

Also, the article starts off saying "The total non institutional civilian labor force (Americans 16 years and older who are not in a institution -criminal, mental, or other types of facilities- or an active military duty)", then goes on to discuss further the breakdown without ever mentioning military employment again.

[blueben]

When it comes to the military, you're only talking a couple million people; Not significant enough to move the needle.