U.S. Army Meets Its 2025 Recruitment Goal 4 Months Early
on Jun 04, 2025
61,000 Troops Enlisted, With Several Months Remaining In The Year
“The young people of America have signed up in historic numbers, which is why you’ve seen recruiting skyrocket … responding to their commander-in-chief, Donald Trump,” said secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth while addressing the troops in Qatar during President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East in May.
Now, some concrete numbers on recruiting have been released, and enlisting is on the rise.
The U.S. Army is reporting “a surge in interest and enthusiasm” for people to join the oldest branch of the United States military.
On Tuesday, June 3, the Army said it has already reached its recruiting goal for fiscal year 2025, which concludes for Federal departments on September 30.
“This achievement represents a significant turning point for the Army and indicates a renewed sense of patriotism and purpose among America’s youth,” an Army press release stated.
Statistics On Recruiting
Compared to fiscal 2024, which had a goal of recruiting 55,000 service members, the Army had a recruitment goal that was 10% higher this year.
“Recent recruiting momentum has seen average contracts per day exceeding last year’s levels by as much as 56% during the same period,” the press release said, noting 61,000 have joined the Army in fiscal 2025 so far.
Speaking on this feat, Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll said:
“I’m incredibly proud of our U.S. Army recruiters and drill sergeants. Their colossal efforts and dedication to duty helped the U.S. Army accomplish our FY25 annual recruiting goal a full four months ahead of schedule.”
Noting that these new recruits “represent the best of America,” the press release adds, “As the Army approaches its 250th birthday on June 14, 2025, these future Soldiers will carry forward a legacy of honor, courage and service spanning two and a half centuries.”
The Continental Army was established on June 14, 1775, which is also Flag Day.
Coincidentally, Flag Day is also Trump’s birthday, and a military parade has been scheduled for June 14 this year in Washington, D.C.
While statistics have not yet been released by the U.S. Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, or Space Force, the U.S. Air Force has reported its numbers from April of this year, noting comparable growth:
“In FY25, over sixteen thousand active-duty recruits have already been sent to Basic Training [for the Air Force]. We have already enlisted or signed up 74% of our FY25 goal with 6 months left in the year, a true testament to our unwavering commitment to build the best warfighting team possible.”
Related: “Peace Through Strength” Touted By Trump As He Addresses U.S. Troops In Middle East
Trump On “Peace Through Strength”
Around Easter, Trump began regularly speaking on strong recruiting numbers.
“Our country is doing very well,” Trump said on April 21 at the annual White House Egg Roll, looking back to numbers since his election victory on November 5, 2024. “We had the highest number of recruits, enlistments, that we’ve had in, I think, 28 or 29 years, and I’m sure we’re actually going to beat that number.”
He added, “We’re setting records. Six months ago, we couldn’t get anybody, and now we’re setting records. That’s sort of a testament to what’s happening in terms of the spirit of our country. We love our country.”
While in the Middle East, Trump touted his “Peace Through Strength” message, which is reflected by his goal of having “the best ships, the best subs, the best planes, the best fighters, the best drones, missiles, air defense, space defense, border security, and ‘Golden Dome,’” as Hegseth detailed.
When Hegseth addressed the troops at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on May 15, he outlined three facets to Trump’s actualizing of “Peace Through Strength,” listing:
- Restoring the warrior ethos;
- Rebuilding our military; and
- Reestablishing deterrence.
With conflicts and wars ongoing in the Middle East, as well as between Russia and Ukraine, and more recently between India and Pakistan, the Trump administration’s America First approach is one of being prepared.
Related: Timeline Established By Trump Administration For Golden Dome, With $25 Billion Price Tag
