Army Meets Recruitment Goals Following 2 Years of Failure

The US Army has exceeded its FY 2024 recruiting goals after facing challenges in previous years.

At a Glance

The U.S. Army exceeded its fiscal year 2024 recruiting goals for the Active component.
The Army will achieve at least 55,300 total accessions for FY24.
Recruiting strategies include an expanded focus on a larger share of the labor market.
Changes also brought efficiency to the enlistment process through better training and outreach tools.

Army Rebounds with Record Recruiting Numbers

The U.S. Army has exceeded its fiscal year 2024 recruiting goals, reporting at least 55,300 total accessions. This marks a significant improvement after two years of missed targets. According to an official announcement, the Army met its 55,000 accessions goal more than a month ahead of schedule.

Fiscal Year 2023 saw around 50,181 accessions and added 4,661 in the Delayed Entry Program. For FY24, about 11,000 Soldiers are expected to be placed in the Delayed Entry Program for FY25. A combination of policy changes and specialized talent acquisition efforts contributed to this remarkable turnaround.

New Recruiting Strategies Pay Off

In October 2023, Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth and General Randy George announced changes focusing on a broader segment of the labor market and establishing a specialized talent acquisition workforce. The initial class of Talent Acquisition Technician warrant officers has graduated, and 25 noncommissioned officers will undergo a four-month Training with Industry program.

“The U.S. Army’s recruiting force achieved our 55,000 accessions goal more than a month ahead of schedule, and we are on track to have more than 11,000 in our delayed entry program by the end of the month,” said Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth. “This is more than double the goal we set for our delayed entry program and will allow our recruiting efforts for next year to start strong right out of the gate.”

Better training and outreach tools have also played a significant role. The Army has overhauled the curriculum for current recruiters to make the enlistment process more efficient. According to official estimates, the effort resulted in approximately 300 more enlistments per week.

The Army met its 55,000 recruit goal in fiscal year 2024 with older recruits and others who needed extra academic and fitness help. https://t.co/iwXbVruphs

— Task & Purpose (@TaskandPurpose) September 27, 2024

Leveraging Technology and Innovation

The Army Enterprise Marketing Office has further built upon its “Be All You Can Be” branding campaign, using new technologies to reach wider audiences. The Future Soldier Preparatory Course has also been expanded, helping recruits to overcome academic and physical fitness barriers. As of mid-September FY24, about 13,206 trainees completed the course and proceeded to Basic Training.

“This year, we introduced new initiatives to attract qualified candidates and make the enlistment process more efficient, while our recruiters continued to connect with the communities they serve, share their Army stories and inspire others to serve as well,” said Maj. Gen. Johnny Davis, commanding general of USAREC.

The Army’s recruitment landscape has also modernized via online outreach and a recruit mobile app. In light of an older average age of recruits, the Army is exploring incentives specifically aimed at recruits already in the labor market. The maximum enlistment age stands at 38, allowing for those who might join later in life.

Despite the step forward this year, leaders still reportedly see challenges ahead due to a potential drop in recruitment of young people.