diff --git a/info/distribute.t b/info/distribute.t
index 9d6af56c..6f59b30b 100644
--- a/info/distribute.t
+++ b/info/distribute.t
@@ -89,10 +89,12 @@ xdist and ydist selectors:
 .s1
 This finds all sectors that have themselves as a distribution point.
 .s1
-.L "Distributing civilians"
+.L "Distributing civilians and military"
 .s1
-When distributing civilians, no distribution point will ship out its
-last civilian, regardless of thresholds set in sectors using it as a
+When distributing civilians or military,
+no distribution point will ship out its last civilian or
+the last military if there are no civilians,
+regardless of thresholds set in sectors using it as a
 distribution point.
 .s1
 .SA "deliver, threshold, level, Distribution"
diff --git a/src/lib/update/distribute.c b/src/lib/update/distribute.c
index 91ae6b72..9ef38ebb 100644
--- a/src/lib/update/distribute.c
+++ b/src/lib/update/distribute.c
@@ -118,8 +118,10 @@ dodistribute(struct sctstr *sp, int imex, char *path, double dist_i_cost,
 	    if (dist->sct_mobil <= 0)
 		continue;
 	    amt = diff;
-	    if (item == I_CIVIL)
-		amt_dist--;	/* Don't send your last civ */
+	    /* make sure not to abandon the sector */
+	    if (item == I_CIVIL ||
+		(item == I_MILIT && dist->sct_item[I_CIVIL] == 0))
+		amt_dist--;
 
 	    if (amt_dist < amt) {
 		amt = amt_dist;