Military leaders report a promising start to 2025 recruitment, continuing a positive trend. Early figures indicate the U.S. military is on track to meet or surpass 2024 recruitment levels. Both the Army and Navy, which have faced recruitment challenges, have seen encouraging numbers in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, starting October 1. However, neither branch has identified specific reasons for this uptick, and the Navy considers it too early for a full assessment.
Gen. James Mingus, the Army's vice chief of staff, highlighted the momentum at a congressional hearing, noting that the Army has already achieved nearly 73% of its annual recruitment target of 61,000 recruits. This positive trend began last summer, with expectations that recruitment goals would be exceeded, building a strong foundation for the new fiscal year starting in October.
From 2023 to 2024, recruitment across the services increased by 12.5%, according to the Department of Defense. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attributed the rise in recruitment after President Donald Trump's election to a new "warrior ethos" focus, moving away from diversity initiatives. Hegseth believes this shift has inspired young people to join the military for its core mission.
Hegseth also credited President Trump as a key factor in recruitment success, calling him the military's best recruiter. Air Force Brig. Gen. Christopher Amrhein noted that there is no single solution to recruitment challenges, but the Air Force has identified effective strategies.
Alex Wagner, a former Pentagon official, argued that Hegseth's approach is merely a reiteration of existing efforts. Wagner emphasized that people join the military to be part of something greater and to defend the Constitution, a sentiment that has long been part of the military ethos.
In a recent address to Congress, Trump claimed the Army had its best recruiting month in 15 years, likely referring to January's success. A defense official confirmed January saw the highest daily contract growth since 2010. Mingus attributed this to changes in recruitment strategies and expanding the pool of potential recruits.
Despite Trump's claims, Hegseth's past comments on women in combat roles have raised concerns about their impact on recruitment for women and minorities. Wagner noted that recent actions, such as firing senior female military leaders, have led some women to question their place in the military.
The Navy reported strong early-year recruitment, contracting 4,000 new sailors and sending 5,000 to boot camp, setting its highest recruitment goal in 20 years. The Navy has implemented policies to widen the recruitment pool, including preparatory courses to help candidates meet standards.
The Air Force has also seen recruitment success, increasing its goals by 20% for 2025. Wagner noted that the Biden administration reviewed military entry standards to ensure they were up-to-date, leading to adjustments like easing body fat standards and lifting THC bans.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin reported high recruitment numbers for December through February, with the delayed entry program at its largest in nearly a decade. This success is attributed to sustained efforts over time.
While it's unclear if recent recruitment success is due to Biden administration policies or enthusiasm for the new president, structural changes over the past three years have strengthened recruitment efforts. The Marine Corps, known for its resilience, continues to meet its recruitment goals, attributing success to the dedication of its recruiters.