OpenAI reports over 20,000 US veterans used free ChatGPT Plus
OpenAI states that more than 20,000 US veterans claimed free ChatGPT Plus in the past year to prepare for civilian careers.
OpenAI announced on November 11, 2026, that more than 20,000 transitioning service members and veterans have claimed a year of free ChatGPT Plus in the past year. The milestone, released ahead of Veterans Day, highlights how artificial intelligence is being used to help this group prepare for civilian careers.
According to OpenAI, the initiative started with veterans working at the company who understood the challenges of transition. Beyond free access, OpenAI Academy and community partners have hosted more than a dozen trainings for nearly 1,000 members of the military community, with seven more scheduled before the end of the year.
Many veterans are using ChatGPT to organize job searches, rehearse for interviews, and explore new career paths. For instance, Air Force veteran Tilak Bhatnagar used his free year to prepare for multiple interviews and articulate his military experience to civilian employers. Another Air Force veteran, Sadarian Bell, utilized voice mode to practice interview answers, describing it as a career coach.