Colorado Springs has a large armed forces population, and the area’s economy is largely driven by the military (followed by the hightech and area tourism).
The top four employers in the county are Fort Carson, Peterson and Schriever Air Force Bases, and the United States Air Force Academy, accounting for about 20 percent of the area’s total jobs. Fittingly, the military community is another fertile local mission field.
At right, a medic pfc shields his eyes as a medical helicopter evacuates a team member during field training exercises at Fort Carson in August 2013.
Michael Ciaglo Photograph