Recently Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth shared on X, that in December 2024 the U.S. Army had its best recruiting numbers in 12 years.
In January 2025, the Army hit its best recruiting numbers in 15 years.
Hegseth said bottom line, America's youth want to serve under thers. bold and strong "America First" leadership of Donald Trump.
"We had a fantastic thing happen. The Army had the best recruitment numbers that they've had in more than 15 years. They think it could be 25 years, actually, and they're going to probably put that out, but more than 15 years. We were talking about it numerous times that we don't have people joining our military services. We don't have people joining our police force. We have to cherish our police. It's so dangerous."
Elaine Donnelly is President of the Center for Military Readiness.
"I think with the introduction of the new administration and the new Secretary of Defense it does inspire confidence. Troops who put their lives on the line need to know that there are immediate commanders and the Secretary of Defense and the commander-in-chief have their best interests in mind … and the best interests of the country."
But Donnelly says if social agendas get in the way, that does not inspire confidence.
"And it turns families, because families influence people who are even considering going into the military. If families are reassured that our military is in good hands, of course that's going to boost recruiting."
