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Enlisted Recruiting Numbers Up Over Last 6 Months, Official Says

Americans across the country are enlisting to fight for the nation, Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson said at a briefing today.

Civilians in black shirts and blue jeans raise their right hand as troops in formation stand at attention while a soldier raising his right hand stands in front of the formation.
Oath of Enlistment
Space Force Lt. Col. Jason Cano, Guardian Talent Scout Squadron commander, delivers the oath of enlistment to Space Force and Air Force recruits during Military Appreciation Night at Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium, San Antonio, Aug. 10, 2025.
Credit: Jonathan R. Mallard, Air Force
VIRIN: 250810-F-YD772-1126

"Men and women are coming out in droves to raise their right hand and serve their country," she said. 

For example, Wilson said that "active-duty enlisted [women] have surged across all service branches. Over 7,200 more women have enlisted so far this fiscal year than at this point last fiscal year, surging from 16,700 to nearly 24,000 enlistees." 

Wilson attributed much of the surge of new recruits to the strong leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. 

"The secretary is so proud to be leading our great warfighters every day. He is focused on mission, getting back to basics and he is going to continue to do just that," Wilson said.  

Hegseth is "laser-focused on delivering for our warfighters. He is incredibly proud of the work that we have accomplished thus far," she added. 

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