The Defense Department’s armed services branches saw a significant increase of 12.5% in recruits in fiscal year 2024 compared to the previous year, despite challenges in the recruiting market. Director of Military Accession Policy Katie Helland shared these statistics during a panel on 2025 recruiting issues at the Pentagon, highlighting that the number of recruits increased from 200,000 in FY 2023 to 225,000 in FY 2024. In addition, there was a 35% increase in written contracts, and the active components’ delayed entry program began FY 2025 with a 10% larger pool.
However, Helland also pointed out the challenges that the military faces in recruiting, including a low youth propensity to serve, limited familiarity with military opportunities, a competitive labor market, and declining eligibility among young adults. She explained that most young people have never considered serving in the military, citing reasons such as fewer connections to friends or family members who have served, a decreasing presence of veterans in society, and a high percentage of young adults requiring waivers to serve due to disqualifications.
To address these challenges, the military has implemented a medical pilot program allowing recruits to join without a waiver for certain health conditions, as well as service member prep courses to prepare recruits for the demands of military service. The Defense Department is also working to reconnect with youth and their influencers to emphasize the value of serving in the military. Helland emphasized the variety of opportunities available in the military, with over 250 occupations and a highly educated workforce, challenging the narrative that military service is an alternative to college or a last resort option.
Helland highlighted the efforts to reframe the narrative around military service, with plans to launch campaigns to build familiarity with the public about the value of military service and to have adult influencers advocate for military service. The Pentagon is also collaborating with national service agencies like the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps to promote an overall message of service. Helland emphasized the importance of celebrating the 225,000 young adults who enlisted in FY 2024 and the spirit of selfless service that continues to build and maintain the world’s most capable military.
