How often was the term used before last year?

Pretty often. When I was at a defense contractor it was the standard term for when you didn't want to say soldier/sailor/airman/marine/etc.

https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?q=warfighter&date=a... has videogame-related spikes, but doesn't show any recent increase.

	▲	biophysboy 2 hours ago \| parent [-]
		Thanks for replying - so its used as a generic catch-all term internally? Did previous DoD secretaries use it in speeches? I thought they used bureaucratic terms like service member. I guess that doesn't work in casual conversation...

I feel like regardless of what answer or proof anyone gives you, you'll still insist it was invented three weeks ago.

?? I am genuinely asking ... nevermind, another person answered

Your response came off a bit aggressive. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, though.

It's been in use a really long time.

	▲	biophysboy 2 hours ago \| parent [-]
		Thanks. I don't think this DoD invented the term. I was trying to verify my own impression that they use it more often in public comms.