WASHINGTON, D.C. - Soldiers and family members living on military installations can expect to receive the 2010 U.S Census Survey by April 15.
Residents of group quarters - such as barracks, guest housing and military treatment facilities - will have their surveys delivered by Department of Defense personnel working in conjunction with the U.S. Census Bureau. Those living in family housing will receive their surveys in the mail. People living overseas will not receive the survey. Instead, the Defense Manpower Data Center will provide the bureau with their statistical data based on a person's home of record.
This year's survey is the shortest to date, consisting of only 10 questions that will take just minutes to answer.
Every 10 years, since 1790, residents of the United States and Puerto Rico are asked to participate in the U.S. Census. This year, the Census Bureau will conduct the Nation's 23rd Decennial Census, marking April 1 as National Census Day.
"Participation in the census is a chance for all living in this great country to stand up and be counted," said John Nerger, Installation Management Command executive director. "It is an opportunity to do their civic duty. All should consider it an obligation of citizenship, just as voting is."
Many people still associate the census with a long-form survey that collected demographic, social, economic and housing information used to help communities determine where to locate services and allocate resources.
The Census Bureau designed the American Community Survey in 2005 to replace the long form - and to provide communities a fresh look at how they are changing. The long form is still issued; however, it samples a smaller population and data is collected every three to five years.
Some may not be aware that participation in the census is required by law. Residents who do not return the survey within the indicated time can expect a knock on the door from a census representative, who will need to collect the information in person.
All information collected by the Census Bureau is protected by law, with census employees sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 and/or five years in prison.
For more information on the 2010 U.S. Census of the American Community Survey, visit: www.census.gov
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