‘Strong and promising’: Military recruitment already well ahead on goals under Trump

The military is already smashing its recruitment goals under President Donald Trump just a few months into the new fiscal year, the Pentagon announced Monday.

The armed services have already met 40% of their delayed entry goals for fiscal year 2026 after multiple branches met their 2025 goals months ahead of schedule, the best numbers in 15 years, according to the Pentagon. The Trump administration made a large push to spur recruitment on the heels of lackluster numbers during the Biden years due to both policy and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is a historic figure and a testament to our support from the president and the secretary, as well as the great work being done by each of the services,” Undersecretary of War for Personnel and Readiness Anthony J. Tata said in the announcement. “The department is on track to once again meet our recruiting mission.”

The Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and other branches all made substantial gains in recruitment over fiscal year 2025. The Navy had the largest recruitment haul overall, soaring to 108% of its goal in 2025, according to the Pentagon.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.

Many critics blamed the Biden Administration for exacerbating a military recruitment crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, pointing to many of the previous administration’s left-wing policies and political initiatives.

“Recruiting is a no-fail mission,” Tata added in the announcement. “We will continue to maintain focus on sustaining our momentum, meeting our targets and securing the warriors we need to achieve peace through strength.”

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