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Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Army hits its annual recruiting goal in eight months
The Army has surpassed its recruiting target for this fiscal year, exceeding a goal that was already significantly higher than it has been in the past. 'Yesterday, the United States Army met its fiscal year 2025 recruiting goal four months early, welcoming more than 61,000 new recruits,' Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll testified before Congress on Wednesday. The fiscal year runs through Sept. 30. Driscoll credited the 'focus on a return to warfighting and lethality' for the Army's recruiting success, though several practical changes to how the Army finds new soldiers have played a key role in the surge of newcomers, lawmakers said. Driscoll noted that the Future Soldier Preparatory Course, which prepares potential soldiers for basic training, has helped recruits who were 'right on the edge' of meeting the service's physical and academic standards enlist. 'It seems when I was at the Future Soldier Prep Course that the ones who wanted to join were at the very front edge of their careers, were excited to join in a time where they thought they could contribute to the safety of their community by being on the front lines of keeping Americans safe.' As of May 30, a total of 10,465 soldiers have moved from the Future Soldier Preparatory Course to Initial Entry Training this fiscal year, said Maj. Christopher Robinson, a spokesman for Training and Doctrine Command. The Army expects to have 25,000 soldiers in the Delayed Entry Program when the 2026 fiscal year begins, Driscoll said. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George noted that the 'most productive' recruiting months of the fiscal year are still ahead. He added that the Army is trying to make improvements to technology for recruiters and reducing how many forms recruits have to fill out while in-processing. 'It was something like 670 forms that had to be filled out and we've reduced that to below 10, and it's now going to be in a database,' George said. The last time the Army hit its annual recruiting goal in the first week of June was back in 2014, Lt. Col. Jeff Tolbert, a spokesman for Driscoll, said in a news release. The Defense Department's 'Rapid Response' X account posted a Fox News story about the Army's recent recruiting success along with a quote: 'They call it the TRUMP-BUMP.' However, the rebound in Army recruiting began before President Donald Trump was elected in November. The service met its fiscal year 2024 goal of 55,000 new soldiers a month before the election after missing its recruiting target for the previous two years. The Army also announced in October that it would increase this fiscal year's recruiting target by 6,000 soldiers. Currently, there is not enough data to either prove or disprove that more Americans are joining the Army as a result of Trump's reelection, said Katherine Kuzminski, director of the Military, Veterans, and Society Program at the Center for a New American Security think tank in Washington, D.C. 'We began to see the turnaround in Army recruiting beginning last August as a result of efforts put into place in 2022-2023,' Kuzminski told Task & Purpose on Wednesday. 'The Future Soldier Prep Course played (and continues to play) a large role in that success — yielding 25% of last year's recruits and keeping up the momentum into this administration.' A major factor that is driving the Army's recent recruiting success is the Future Soldier Preparatory Course, Kuzminski said. About 13,200 recruits joined the Army through the course in fiscal year 2024. The Army has also taken steps to professionalize its recruiters, and the service's 'Be All You Can Be' recruiting campaign may have appealed to parents and other adults who can influence whether young Americans join the military, she said. Unemployment rates, however, are not contributing to the Army's recruiting success, Kuzmiksi said. The rates have remained fairly consistent at around 4.2% from 2024 to 2025. Driscoll acknowledged that the Army still faces some challenges to recruiting, noting that the service's MHS Genesis System, which has been criticized for disqualifying potential recruits for minor health issues, is 'inadequate.' Project 2025, the policy blueprint produced by the Heritage Foundation think tank in Washington, D.C., recommended that the Army suspend using the system because it causes 'unnecessary delays and unwarranted rejections.' 'The Genesis program in and of itself is a classic example, I think, of the Army being part of a solution that is siloed and ineffective and inefficient,' Driscoll said. 'And it's probably going to be a better solution to go out and grab a tool that is used in areas in the commercial sector.' Driscoll said that the Army has started using the commercially available Salesforce platform and has seen 'incredible results.' He added that 'in a perfect world,' the Army would be able to use a system like Salesforce along with a generative artificial intelligence model to determine, 'Hey, is this a kid who got an inhaler when they were 12-and-two months and never used it, vs. someone when they were 17-and-a-half actively was using an inhaler.' UPDATE: 06/04/2025; this story was updated with figures about the Army's Future Soldier Preparatory Course for fiscal year 2025. Navy SEAL Team 6 operator will be the military's new top enlisted leader Veterans receiving disability payments might have been underpaid, IG finds Guam barracks conditions are 'baffling,' Navy admiral says in email Navy fires admiral in charge of unmanned systems office after investigation The Pentagon wants troops to change duty stations less often
2 days ago
- Business
Army meets recruiting target months ahead of schedule
The U.S. Army met its annual recruiting target of 61,000 in the first week of June, four months ahead of the scheduled Sept. 30 deadline, after putting in place new initiatives to boost recruitment. It marks a stunning turnaround for a service that failed to meet its recruiting goals in 2022 and 2023 and struggled in the years since to meet its annual targets. "The U.S. Army has successfully met its fiscal year 2025 recruiting goals for active duty, signing contracts with more than 61,000 future Soldiers -- a full four months before the end of the fiscal year," the U.S. Army said in a statement. "This achievement represents a significant turning point for the Army and indicates a renewed sense of patriotism and purpose among America's youth." Dan Driscoll, the secretary of the Army, said in a statement that he is "incredibly proud" of the service's recruiters and drill sergeants. "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," Driscoll added. "The U.S. Army is focused on lethality, taking care of our Soldiers, and transforming for a dangerous future -- young people across the country want to be part of the U.S. Army, and these results clearly demonstrate that." The fiscal 2025 recruiting target was 10% higher than the 55,000 recruits targeted in fiscal 2024, and the Army statement added that "recent recruiting momentum has seen average contracts per day exceeding last year's levels by as much as 56% during the same period." This is the first time since June 2014 that the Army has met its annual recruiting goal so early. The Army said recruiting efforts will continue and that additional recruits will be placed in the Delayed Entry Program in which recruits delay their start dates so the Army can begin the following recruiting year with recruits in hand. The Army's surge in recruitment numbers parallels the recruiting surge the other military services are experiencing, something that both President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have attributed to a change in attitude brought about by the Trump administration's end of policies promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. However, the services' recruiting turnarounds began last year before the November election following the implementation of new initiatives to help boost recruiting. The Army's recruiting turnaround is being attributed to the establishment of an academic and physical fitness preparatory course for potential recruits, the professionalization of the recruiting force and an increase in recruiting bonuses. In an interview with the Associated Press in January, then-Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said the Army was on pace to meet its target of 61,000 for the year as well as have more than 20,000 additional young people signed up for the DEP. "Concerns about the Army being, quote, woke, have not been a significant issue in our recruiting crisis," she said. "They weren't at the beginning of the crisis. They weren't in the middle of the crisis. They aren't now. The data does not show that young Americans don't want to join the Army because they think the army is woke -- however they define that." Instead, Instead the Army's recruiting success was a result of new initiatives, such as the Army's Future Soldier Preparatory Course established in August 2022 that provided 1 in every 4 of Army recruits among the 55,000 who signed up for Army service in 2024. In the interview with the Associated Press, Wormuth said data showed the course might account for as much as a third of this year's recruiting totals. The program was established following the Army's failure to meet its recruiting goals in 2022 and 2023 as a recognition that the Army was turning away potential recruits who had a strong desire to serve in the U.S. military but fell just short of meeting their academic and physical fitness requirements. Potential recruits who did not meet those requirements were sent to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, for up to 90 days for academic and physical fitness training to help them get ready for a new round of testing so they could become recruits. The Army's success with the program in 2024 was reflected not only in successfully meeting that year's goal but also in placing 14,000 recruits in the DEP. The Navy has replicated the Army's preparatory course and implemented its own training system for potential recruits who initially fall short. The Army is also moving away from rotating soldiers into assignments as recruiters and professionalizing the career field so it includes those who are motivated to stay in the field. Recruiting bonuses have been a key way of incentivizing service members to join the military for the last two decades, and those numbers rose significantly during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan particularly to meet in-demand work specialties. The Army lists recruiting bonuses that could total as much as $50,000 for eligible recruits who would enlist for hard-to-fill jobs and for meeting certain criteria, according to the Army's recruiting site. Statistics for this recruiting year are not yet available, but Army statistics from 2024 show that " 24,185 recruits received an average bonus of $16.9K." Those same statistics show that since 2020, the Army's annual recruiting class has become increasingly diverse, with more minorities joining the active duty service since then and the number of women rising to pre-2020 levels. For example, the number of white recruits in fiscal 2024 decreased to 40.5% from the 52.7% who joined in 2020 while the number of Black and Hispanic recruits increased. That trend was reflected in 2024's total recruiting effort, where 26.1% of recruits were Hispanic, the highest number ever, and the number of Black recruits increased by 6% over the previous year to 25.8% of the total.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Army issues policy to discharge, disqualify transgender troops
The Army has issued its policy on the separation of transgender soldiers through an initial stage of voluntary separation followed by involuntary separation. 'The Army has developed a phased approach for gender dysphoria disqualification and separation from service,' an Army spokesman told Army Times. 'The first phase is for individuals who want to self-identify.' Phase I ends on June 6, the policy states, while Phase II begins on June 7. The policy, posted to the service's Human Resources Command webpage on May 22, gives commands 30 days from identification to initiate the separation process for individuals who have a 'current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with gender dysphoria and/or have a history of cross-sex hormone therapy or a history of sex reassignment or genital reconstruction surgery.' The Defense Department defines gender dysphoria as referring to a 'marked incongruence between an individual's experienced or expressed gender and their assigned gender, lasting at least six months, as manifested by conditions causing clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.' 'We encourage anyone subject to this policy to contact their chain of command or appropriate point of contact as soon as possible,' the official said. Soldiers who fall into those categories are considered immediately non-deployable. If deployed, those soldiers will be redeployed within 30 days of notification or as soon as is feasible, according to the posting. Individuals will be placed in administrative absence status, outlined in Army Regulation 600-8-10, with full pay and benefits until separation is complete. 'The Army recognizes the selfless service of all who have volunteered to serve,' the official said. 'These individuals will be treated dignity and respect throughout this process.' As part of the new policy, transgender recruits will not ship to initial entry training and will be disqualified at the Military Entrance Processing Station. Applicants currently in the Delayed Entry Program are disqualified from service. Offers of admission to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point will also be rescinded. Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets may participate in classes until separated or disenrolled. Academy and ROTC cadets will not be required to repay educational benefits and will not be subject to completion of military service obligations. Green-to-Gold soldiers will be released from the program and separated in accordance with enlisted policies. Discharge statuses for individuals impacted by the new guidelines will be listed as honorable, according to the policy. Waivers will be considered on a case-by-case basis for individuals who have demonstrated 36 consecutive months of stability in their biological sex without clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas. These individuals must have demonstrated they have never attempted to transition to a sex other than their biological sex and are willing and able to adhere to all applicable standards, including those associated with their biological sex. The guidance also includes information on intimate spaces policies. Access to intimate spaces will be determined by the individual's biological sex. Commanders are instructed to apply all standards that reflect consideration of an individual's biological sex, such as uniform and grooming standards, body composition assessment, medical, physical and body fat standards, drug testing and bathroom and shower facility use. Commanders are also expected to ensure all such shared intimate spaces will be clearly designated for either male, female or family use. House Democrats, meanwhile, have planned legislation to roll back the Pentagon's efforts to force transgender troops out of the service, which may require a public vote in the coming weeks, Army Times previously reported. Six service members filed a lawsuit in January challenging President Donald Trump's transgender ban in the military.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'12-hour shifts were for slackers': Time with Thunderbirds a highlight of military career
Nearly five decades ago, Allen Trump began his military career through the Delayed Entry Program, enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps at 17 years old. Today, as a senior systems analyst lead for the Integrated Maintenance Data System, he continues to support the U.S. Air Force by ensuring the operational readiness of weapon systems. Trump works with the Air Force's primary base-level maintenance management system, providing advanced troubleshooting and technical expertise when maintenance shops encounter complex aircraft software issues. Trump's extensive background in aircraft maintenance has made him an invaluable asset in identifying and resolving these challenges. 'The best part about this job is still being able to help our field technicians, many of whom we helped train as young airman,' said Trump. Trump served four years as a Combat Communications Controller in the Marines before a 17-month break of service. His passion for aviation ultimately led him to rejoin the military, this time as an U.S. Air Force crew chief. While stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Trump's commitment to training junior airmen and his overall performance caught the attention of a visiting chief master sergeant. That encounter led to his selection for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the elite aerial demonstration team. Trump spent four years with the Thunderbirds, culminating in his final year as the dedicated crew chief for Thunderbird #5, 'Betsy.' His time with the team took him across the nation and overseas, including a memorable performance in China. He also met then Vice President George H.W. Bush at a New England air show and was part of the ground crew when aviation legend Chuck Yeager flew a Thunderbird jet to commemorate the 40th anniversary of breaking the sound barrier. '12-hour shifts were for slackers, it was one of the hardest jobs I had and the most rewarding, during my Air Force career,' said Trump. More: 'We are family now': Alabama Airman receives Mississippi Air Guardsman's kidney Following his Thunderbird tenure, Trump worked as an F-117 Nighthawk crew chief at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. Trumps attention to detail led him to document more than 100 discrepancies in the aircraft's technical data, prompting his reassignment to flight safety and crash investigations. His knack for analyzing and documenting software deficiencies eventually steered his career toward IMDS at Gunter-Annex in Montgomery, Alabama. "I showed up as a crew chief, but they handed me a pocket protector and told me to leave my toolbox at home," Trump said. "I went from 'chic to geek' in a day, trading wrenches for red pencils and ink pens to handle software testing and recording. It was a whole new world, but I embraced it." In 1996, Chief Master Sgt. Preston Neloms, Core Automated Maintenance Systems chief enlisted manager, recruited Trump for a software test and development role at Gunter, recognizing his aircraft expertise. Though Trump initially resisted, Neloms emphasized users make the best testers and pointed out the base Trump was currently at was over staffed with master sergeants. Ultimately, Trump had no choice and was reassigned to Gunter, making the start of his transition from aircraft maintenance to software development. ' It was a different community, but I was lucky to be in a room full of aircraft maintainers, several whom were Vietnam vets,' said Trump. More: Preparing tomorrow's leaders: Air Force instructor honored as an outstanding performer Trump and his team at IMDS frequently troubleshoot urgent issues, including one case in the spring of 2014 where a scheduled unmanned aerial vehicle mission faced a potential delay. The UAV, already scheduled in the Air Tasking Order, reported an engine-down status due to a system data error. "Allen was on a soccer field when he got the call for help," said Widen Wayne, an IMDS senior systems analyst and Trump's coworker. "I was in Florida, and another colleague was at home in Montgomery, Alabama, while our colleague went to the base to operate the system, Allen and I provided remote guidance. Together, we resolved the issue, allowing the UAV to depart on schedule. The air staff management recognized our efforts." After retiring from active duty in January 2000, Trump continued his work as a contractor, requiring only a change of clothes to report back the following Monday. Now, as he prepares for his eventual departure, Trump is focused on passing down his knowledge to the next generation of IMDS analysts. "We've got a new crew of five younger people. One of them is actually my son, and I'm training him to replace me," Trump said. "We've got several graybeards within the analyst and developer branches in there, so we work and ensure they are ready to be passed the torch." Despite no longer wearing the uniform, Trump remains deeply connected to the Air Force mission. Trump's 25-year tenure at Gunter-Annex, both in uniform and as a contractor. Their team provide field and system level support, troubleshooting, correcting errors and software defects for various military systems that include; combat aircraft, satellites, and missiles. "Even though the uniform came off, we're still supporting the flying mission of the Air Force," Trump said. "It feels good to hear those jets take off and know you're a part of it." This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Thunderbirds to cyber systems: Military journey takes several turns
