U.S. Military Recruitment Surges to 15-Year High Under President Trump

 In a remarkable turnaround, the U.S. Army has achieved its highest recruitment numbers over a decade, with December 2024 and January 2025 marking the most successful months in 12 and 15 years, respectively. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attributes this surge to President Donald Trump's leadership and the reinstatement of traditional military values. ​

The Army reported enlisting approximately 350 new soldiers daily throughout December, a significant increase that positions the service to meet its ambitious goal of 61,000 active-duty recruits for the fiscal year. This growth is seen as a response to the administration's emphasis on meritocracy and eliminating certain diversity initiatives, aiming to restore the "warrior ethos" within the ranks.​

While some analysts note that recruitment improvements began in mid-2024 due to internal reforms, the current administration's policies have accelerated this trend. The revitalized interest in military service underscores a renewed confidence in national defense and the appeal of serving under the current leadership.​

As the Army continues to build on this momentum, the focus remains on sustaining these numbers and ensuring that the influx of recruits translates into a more robust and ready military force.