Military Recruiting Rebounds, But Future Challenges Loom

All branches except the Navy meet 2024 recruiting goals, but concerns about declining youth population and competitive job market persist.

The Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force have all met their recruiting targets for 2024, with the Navy narrowly missing its goal.
The Army's success is attributed to new programs like the future soldier prep course, which helped 24% of recruits meet standards.
Despite improvements, only 23% of young adults are fully qualified to serve without waivers, posing a significant challenge for future recruitment.
An anticipated 10% drop in the college-age population by 2026, due to the 2008 financial recession, is a major concern for military leaders.
The Navy has expanded its applicant pool by accepting recruits without high school diplomas or GEDs and those with low test scores, a strategy not commonly adopted by other services.