What happened
A new survey conducted by Morning Consult for Wells Fargo, involving 4,000 U.S. adults, reveals that military veterans report higher levels of optimism and confidence regarding artificial intelligence compared to non-veterans. The study, conducted between October 1 and October 11, 2026, found that 58% of veterans are optimistic about how AI will affect their future, compared to 46% of non-veterans. Among those currently employed, 32% of veterans reported being very confident in using AI tools at work, versus 22% of non-veterans. Additionally, 37% of veteran respondents stated their employers provide AI training, compared to 24% of non-veterans.
The survey, conducted by Morning Consult from October 1 to 11, 2026, sampled 2,000 veterans and 2,000 non-veterans across the United States. The results indicate that veterans are more optimistic about the future of AI, with 58% expressing optimism compared to 46% of non-veterans. Furthermore, 48% of veterans believe AI will have a positive impact on society, compared to 35% of non-veterans.
Among employed respondents, the survey identified a notable difference in workplace AI readiness. Veterans reported higher confidence in using AI tools (32% very confident) compared to non-veterans (22% very confident). The data also suggests a disparity in access to corporate resources, with 37% of veterans reporting that their employers provide AI training, compared to 24% of non-veterans.
Source details: newsroom.wf.com
Why it matters
The findings suggest a potential divergence in workforce readiness and sentiment toward emerging technology based on military service background. By highlighting that veterans are more likely to receive employer-provided AI training and report higher confidence in using these tools, the report underscores the role of corporate initiatives in shaping AI adoption. This data point is significant for employers evaluating their internal training programs and workforce development strategies. As AI integration continues to influence job requirements, the disparity in training access and self-reported confidence levels between these groups may inform future hiring and retention practices for organizations seeking to leverage veteran talent in an AI-enabled economy.
The data highlights a potential competitive advantage for veterans in the evolving labor market, particularly as organizations prioritize AI literacy. The higher reported access to AI training among veterans suggests that employers may be actively targeting this demographic for upskilling, or that veterans are gravitating toward roles that offer such development.
The study also notes that 49% of veterans found the transition to civilian life difficult, and those who struggled reported lower career satisfaction and financial confidence. This context suggests that while veterans show higher optimism toward AI, their overall professional success remains tied to the effectiveness of employer-led transition and training programs.
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What to watch next
Future research may clarify whether the reported higher confidence among veterans stems from specific military training environments or if it correlates with the types of industries where veterans are currently employed. Observers should monitor whether the gap in employer-provided AI training—37% for veterans versus 24% for non-veterans—persists across broader sectors or if it is specific to the financial services and related industries represented in the survey. Additionally, it remains to be seen how these self-reported confidence levels translate into long-term career outcomes as AI tools become more deeply embedded in civilian professional workflows.
The survey does not specify the types of AI tools or training programs being utilized, leaving the practical nature of this 'AI readiness' somewhat ambiguous. Future studies may need to distinguish between general AI literacy and specialized technical proficiency.
The margin of error for the survey is plus or minus 2 percentage points, with results weighted to reflect a representative sample. Observers should watch for whether these trends hold as AI adoption scales across industries beyond the financial sector.