U.S. military recruiting hits 15-year high under Trump administration policies

TLDR:

• U.S. military achieved best recruiting numbers in 15 years, with all five services exceeding their goals in fiscal 2025
• Pentagon officials directly credit the surge to President Trump’s election and rollback of “woke” policies
• Changes include ending DEI initiatives, canceling “identity months,” and refocusing on “warrior ethos”
• Army recruited 62,050 (goal: 61,000); Navy hit 44,096 (goal: 40,600); Air Force, Space Force, and Marines also exceeded targets

The U.S. military posted its strongest recruiting performance in 15 years during fiscal 2025, with Pentagon officials drawing a direct line between the numbers and the Trump administration’s rejection of left-wing policies.

“If you look at the data from November, from the election of President Trump and then Secretary Hegseth’s confirmation thereafter, the numbers that we’ve seen during that time period have been historic,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said.

All five services exceeded their goals: The Army recruited 62,050 against a target of 61,000; the Navy brought in 44,096 versus a goal of 40,600; and the Air Force, Space Force and Marine Corps also surpassed expectations.

Undersecretary of War for Personnel and Readiness Anthony J. Tata attributed the surge to the administration’s warfighting focus. “We have a commander in chief and a secretary of war who are focused on our troops and our mission,” Mr. Tata said.

Since taking office, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has canceled “identity” months like Black History Month, scrapped diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and stressed a return to “warrior ethos.” The Pentagon now bases all promotions and hirings solely on merit.

The recruiting success comes as the U.S. ramps up operations in Syria, Somalia and the Caribbean.

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• Military hits best recruiting numbers in 15 years, Pentagon says