Army hits recruiting goal four months early

The U.S. Army hit its recruiting goal four months early, reaching the 61,000 target before the Sept. 30 deadline.

The Army's goal this year is more than 10% higher than the 55,000 recruitment target for the prior fiscal year, the military branch said in its announcement Tuesday.

"This achievement represents a significant turning point for the Army and indicates a renewed sense of patriotism and purpose among America’s youth," according to the Army.

Daily average contracts have exceeded "last year’s levels by as much as 56% during the same period," the military branch said.

“I’m incredibly proud of our U.S. Army recruiters and drill sergeants,” Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll said in a statement on Tuesday. “Their colossal efforts and dedication to duty helped the U.S. Army accomplish our FY25 annual recruiting goal a full four months ahead of schedule.”

“I want to thank the commander in chief, President Trump, and Secretary of Defense Hegseth for their decisive leadership and support in equipping, training and supporting these future Soldiers as they face a world of global uncertainty and complex threats,” he added. “Putting Soldiers first is having a tangible impact and shows that young people across our country want to be part of the most lethal land fighting force the world has ever seen.”

In 2022 and 2023, the Army failed to meet its recruiting goals, ABC News reported. The last time the Army met its annual recruiting goal this early was June 2014.