US Army Hits Annual Recruitment Goals 4 Months Early

Pentagon cites rising enlistment interest among youth, crediting Trump-era reforms and patriotic momentum.

U.S. soldiers assigned to the 101st Airborne Division take part in joint exercises at the Hohenfels Training Area, Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Germany, on June 5, 2024. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jaimee Perez

The U.S. Army has reached its fiscal year 2025 recruitment goal of 61,000 active-duty enlistments—four months ahead of schedule—marking what officials call a pivotal moment in military readiness and national morale.

Announcing the milestone in a June 3 statement, Army leadership framed the achievement as a “turning point” in overcoming recent recruitment struggles, attributing the surge to a “renewed sense of patriotism and purpose among America’s youth.”