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Amid a historic surge in military recruiting, the National Guard exceeded its fiscal year 2025 goals.
Since November 2024, the U.S. military has achieved its strongest recruiting performance in 30 years, with fiscal year-to-date accessions as of the end of August reaching 106% of active-duty targets.
The Army and Air Guard have combined to enlist almost 50,000 new members this fiscal year, bringing total Guard personnel end strength to more than 433,000, surpassing each component’s goals and marking one of the most successful recruiting years in over a decade.
“Young Americans are eager to serve,” said Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, the chief of the National Guard Bureau. “Today’s recruits are seeking long-term value, and the National Guard delivers through career training and hands-on, practical experience in more than 200 career specialties.”
In March, the Army Guard launched a new marketing campaign to attract young people to part-time service.
“Uncommon is Calling” highlights the dual lives of Guardsmen, who balance civilian careers with essential roles during emergencies and national crises. It emphasizes the unique opportunities for personal and professional growth available within the Guard.
The media buy has been mostly been on online and digital streaming services, with some spots on traditional television.
Col. Timothy Smith, the chief of the Army Guard’s Strength Maintenance Division, said the campaign has helped deliver new awareness of the opportunities of Army Guard service.
He also credits recruiters in the 54 states, territories and the District of Columbia.
“The organization has made recruiting and end strength priorities because if you can’t fill your end strength, you can’t be ready,” Smith said. “They’re tied together. Our readiness starts with our recruiters.”
Smith said the Army’s Future Soldier Preparatory Course has also helped the Army Guard attract potential Soldiers.
The course gives those unable to meet entry academic and fitness requirements a chance to meet Army standards. Almost 7,000 Army Guard recruits have successfully entered basic training through the FSPC.
The Army Guard currently has more than 328,000 Soldiers.
The Air Guard has also beaten its fiscal year recruiting goals and is on track to surpass 105,000 Airmen by the end of the fiscal year.
Col. Daniel Curtin, the director of Air National Guard Recruiting and Retention, said recent Air Guard recruiting success is driven by numerous indicators.
“It’s a lot of things,” Curtin said. “We’ve had 19 consecutive months of year-over-year increases in new accessions. The recruiting environment is strong … and we have worked diligently to establish a culture of excellence and opportunity that appeals to potential recruits. The results are evident.”
Curtin explained that the Air Guard is working to centralize recruiting efforts within each state, territory, and D.C.
Previously, Air Guard recruiting operational alignment varied. Some operated under a wing or a force support squadron, while others worked under a state’s joint forces headquarters.
Now, Air Guard recruiting headquarters will operate as separate flights or squadrons, dedicated solely to recruiting and retention.
But the most important initiative in fiscal 2025, he said, is the addition of 150 temporary recruiting support positions and 210 temporary Unit Manning Document positions.
“These roles have been critical in enhancing recruiting operations, including production activities, marketing, medical support, training and administrative efficiency,” Curtin said.
—By Master Sgt. Zach Sheely
