(WIFR) – Most of the branches of the U.S. Military report they’ve hit their recruitment goals this fiscal year, despite years of shortages.
According to the Department of Defense, the military recruited 225,000 people in 2024, a jump of 25,000 recruits from the year before.
The Army set a goal of 33,700 recruits. Not only did it meet it, but it also beat that goal by 980 people.
The Marine Corps beat its goal of reaching 14,871 recruits by 150 people; a feat that trickled down into Rockford, according to Recruiter Sergeant Bradley Andal, who says social media has been a valuable tool in recruiting the younger generation.
“There is always a need for new marines because every single day there are marines getting out of the Marine Corp and we need to find the next generation of marines to come in and replace us,” Sergeant Andal says.
The U.S. Navy missed its goal of 27,213 recruits by 23%, the only branch to miss the mark. Sergeant Andal says when a branch does not get enough numbers one year, it’s fuel to achieve them the next.
Veteran Laverne Larson joined the Navy in 1954 where he spent four years in service. He acknowledges a lull in naval recruitment but explains things like the GI Bill, which helps with the cost of higher education, can encourage a young person to sign up.
“We need more young men to volunteer. I volunteered because I didn’t want to farm so I guess that was my out,” Larson says.
Andal explains there is a spot for everyone in the armed forces so long as they are medically and mentally fit to serve. He says meeting with a recruiter does not obligate you to serve, it’s just a chance to learn about the opportunity.
“I’d encourage anybody that’s medically and mentally qualified to at least look into the military,” Andal says. “Coming into our office and talking to us, sitting down with us, is not you signing up for anything, it is you coming in to get the info that you need and then from there you can make the decision.”
You have to be at least 17 years old and be at least at the end of your junior year to apply. You can reach out to a recruiter via social media or online.
For more information on enlisting, click on the following links below:
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