Enlistment in the Armed Forces 'soars' and exceeds forecasts

The Department of Defense (DOD) reported that recruitment in the Armed Forces soared in the first five months of the current fiscal period. In each of the divisions, it was able to improve on the number of enlistments that were targeted before October 1, 2024.

In a statement, the DOD detailed the number of personnel joining as new service members in each of the Armed Forces divisions between Oct. 1, 2024, and Feb. 28, 2025.

For example, the Army added 23,586 new soldiers to its ranks. The target was set at 20,500. The Navy added 16,201 new members, while the goal was to incorporate 15,475.

As many as 5,847 new Marines joined the military, when the target was 5,493, according to the Pentagon.

The Air Force added 13,329 new members, one more than planned. Finally, in the Space Force, 299 new personnel were integrated. There were 297 anticipated additions.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was interviewed on Fox News, where he explained that, with the different war conflicts taking place in different regions of the world, "The American people want to come back in and sign up."