By the Numbers: 23 December 2025
225,000
The approximate number of new recruits who joined the U.S. Military in FY 2024, according to a press release from the Department of Defense, which indicated that this was about 25,000 more new recruits than the previous year.
Nearly all active components met their recruiting goals for the year, and the Navy made significant strides forward by reaching its contracting goals. Our Reserve Components also had a strong year, with the Army National Guard, the Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve all meeting their recruiting targets. This strong progress on recruiting comes alongside our impressive retention rates for our brave and talented troops.
225,000
The approximate number of new recruits who joined the U.S. Military in FY 2024, according to a press release from the Department of Defense, which indicated that this was about 25,000 more new recruits than the previous year.
Nearly all active components met their recruiting goals for the year, and the Navy made significant strides forward by reaching its contracting goals. Our Reserve Components also had a strong year, with the Army National Guard, the Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve all meeting their recruiting targets. This strong progress on recruiting comes alongside our impressive retention rates for our brave and talented troops.