Army Achieves Best Recruitment Numbers in 15 Years

Recent recruitment surge attributed to policy reforms and programs initiated before Trump's election, though his leadership is widely credited for boosting morale.

The U.S. Army recorded its most successful recruitment months in December 2024 and January 2025, enlisting 346 new soldiers daily in December and achieving a 15-year high in January.
The Army is halfway to its fiscal year 2025 goal of 61,000 recruits, following a successful 2024 where it met its target of 55,000 new active-duty soldiers after years of shortfalls.
Key reforms, including the Future Soldier Preparatory Course and modernization of recruitment strategies, were cited as major contributors to the turnaround, beginning prior to Trump's reelection.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Trump have credited the surge to renewed enthusiasm under ‘America First’ leadership, though experts note broader economic and structural factors at play.
Despite the progress, officials warn that recruitment challenges persist, with the Army’s current end strength at its lowest since World War II and global security demands increasing.