Dec 23, 2025 10:16 PM
https://www.newsmax.com/us/u-s-military-...d/1239471/
INTRO: U.S. military recruiting reached its highest level in more than 15 years during fiscal year 2025, with all active-duty service branches meeting or exceeding their accession goals.
War Department spokesman Sean Parnell said the services achieved their strongest recruiting performance since 2009, with gains accelerating after November 2024.
All five active-duty branches met their targets. The Army exceeded its goal of 61,000 recruits by bringing in 62,050, while the Navy surpassed its target by more than 3,400 recruits.
The Air Force, Space Force, and Marine Corps also met or slightly exceeded their goals, with the five services averaging a collective completion rate of 103%. Most reserve components also met their recruiting missions, with the exception of the Army Reserve, which still reached 75% of its target.
Anthony J. Tata, undersecretary of war for personnel and readiness, said department leadership played a key role in the improved recruiting performance, citing focus from President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on readiness and force strength.
Parnell said recruiting data showed a noticeable increase following the 2024 election and Hegseth's confirmation. Department leaders also pointed to operational changes that supported the gains, including improvements in applicant preparation and faster medical screening.
One pilot program reduced processing times at Military Entrance Processing Stations from as long as 10 days to one day or less.
Looking ahead, the department said recruiting for fiscal year 2026 is off to a strong start, with nearly 40% of delayed entry program targets already met. The strong results follow signs earlier this year that recruiting shortfalls were beginning to ease after several difficult years... (MORE - details)
INTRO: U.S. military recruiting reached its highest level in more than 15 years during fiscal year 2025, with all active-duty service branches meeting or exceeding their accession goals.
War Department spokesman Sean Parnell said the services achieved their strongest recruiting performance since 2009, with gains accelerating after November 2024.
All five active-duty branches met their targets. The Army exceeded its goal of 61,000 recruits by bringing in 62,050, while the Navy surpassed its target by more than 3,400 recruits.
The Air Force, Space Force, and Marine Corps also met or slightly exceeded their goals, with the five services averaging a collective completion rate of 103%. Most reserve components also met their recruiting missions, with the exception of the Army Reserve, which still reached 75% of its target.
Anthony J. Tata, undersecretary of war for personnel and readiness, said department leadership played a key role in the improved recruiting performance, citing focus from President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on readiness and force strength.
Parnell said recruiting data showed a noticeable increase following the 2024 election and Hegseth's confirmation. Department leaders also pointed to operational changes that supported the gains, including improvements in applicant preparation and faster medical screening.
One pilot program reduced processing times at Military Entrance Processing Stations from as long as 10 days to one day or less.
Looking ahead, the department said recruiting for fiscal year 2026 is off to a strong start, with nearly 40% of delayed entry program targets already met. The strong results follow signs earlier this year that recruiting shortfalls were beginning to ease after several difficult years... (MORE - details)
