ARLINGTON, Va. — Despite a grim outlook and dire predictions, the Department of Defense (DOD) military branches all met their recruiting goals in the past fiscal year.
That includes the U.S. Navy, which had failed to hit its target for the prior two years. In fact, the Navy exceeded its FY '24 goals, contracting nearly 41,000 new recruits by the end of the fiscal year, marking its most significant recruiting achievement in 20 years.
"This was no small feat, and I want to take a moment to recognize the front-line Navy recruiters who worked tirelessly to meet our goals. They did an outstanding job navigating a highly competitive recruiting market," said Rear Admiral James Waters III, Navy Recruiting Command Commander, during a roundtable with reporters at the Pentagon.
Having struggled to meet their recruiting goals for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, market competition, and a shrinking pool of people willing or able to serve, this year, the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps also met their goals.
"We know we are not out of the woods yet, but we remain steadfast to mission success this year and beyond," said Major General Johnny Davis, Army Recruiting Command Commander.
"In the end, deterring and winning future conflicts in a time of consequence starts right here at home by winning in the competition space for talent," said Brigadier General Christopher Amrhein, Air Force Recruiting Service Commander.
"Marine recruiters will continue to meet expectations by holding true to our warrior's ethos and our core values of honor, courage, and commitment," said Major General William Bowers, Marine Corps Recruiting Command Commander.
In a news release, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said he was "proud," adding: "The all-volunteer force remains the foundation of America’s national defense, and it is all of our duty to ensure that it remains strong for generations to come. The Department of Defense remains deeply committed to ensuring that every qualified patriot has the opportunity to answer the call."
The U.S. Coast Guard, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, also met all of its recruiting goals for the first time in six years.