The U.S. Army announced on Tuesday that it has reached its Fiscal Year 2025 recruiting goals for active-duty soldiers by recruiting over 61,000 new soldiers four months early under President Donald Trump’s administration.
In a Tuesday press release, the U.S. Army Public Affairs said the military service had successfully met its recruiting goals for this year by signing contracts with “more than 61,000 future Soldiers” four months before the end of Fiscal Year 2025. Officials explained that meeting the Army’s recruitment goals early demonstrates a “significant turning point for the Army” and points toward a “renewed sense of patriotism and purpose among America’s youth.”
“I’m incredibly proud of our U.S. Army recruiters and drill sergeants,” Army Secretary Dan Driscoll said. “Their colossal efforts and dedication to duty helped the U.S. Army accomplish our FY25 annual recruiting goal a full four months ahead of schedule.”
The U.S. Army explained that its recruitment goal for Fiscal Year 2025 was 10% higher than Fiscal Year 2024’s goal of 55,000 new Army recruits. Officials noted in Tuesday’s press release that the Army’s ability to meet a higher recruitment goal this year signifies a “surge in interest and enthusiasm for Army service.” The Army added that the average number of contracts signed per day this year has surpassed last year’s numbers by “as much as 56%” in the same period.
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“I want to thank the commander in chief, President Trump, and Secretary of Defense Hegseth for their decisive leadership and support in equipping, training and supporting these future Soldiers as they face a world of global uncertainty and complex threats,” Driscoll stated. “Putting Soldiers first is having a tangible impact and shows that young people across our country want to be part of the most lethal land fighting force the world has ever seen.”
According to Army Times, the Army exceeded its recruitment goal by roughly 11,000 recruits last year after failing to reach its recruitment goals for two years. The outlet noted that the Army only succeeded in securing 44,901 recruits in 2022 with a goal of 60,000 recruits and only 54,000 recruits in 2023 with a goal of 65,000 recruits.
Highlighting the future service of the 61,000 new recruits for Fiscal Year 2025, the Army said, “These 61,000 men and women, who are choosing to serve their nation, represent the best of America. As the Army approaches its 250th birthday on June 14, 2025, these future Soldiers will carry forward a legacy of honor, courage and service spanning two and a half centuries.”