Overview
- The Air Force says it has signed 32,750 enlisted recruits, its largest intake since 2004.
- The Space Force met its 730 goal early and reports 1,073 enlisted accessions so far, enabling more selective hiring for technical jobs.
- About 25,000 recruits have already shipped to basic training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, with roughly 7,000 set to follow by Sept. 30.
- The Delayed Entry Program holds more than 18,000 pre-signed recruits, which lets officials pace ship dates and bank future accessions.
- Officials cite more recruiters, bonuses up to $40,000, and easing medical-screening delays as the main factors behind the surge, while only about 23% of 17- to 24-year-olds qualify to serve.