Pentagon reports military recruitment is improving

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) -- The Pentagon reports recruitment across its military branches is up.

According to the U.S. Defense Department, the military recruited 12.5% more people in FY 2024 than in the previous year, an increase of about 25,000 recruits, despite what officials call a "challenging and disinterested market."

"It's not even on their radar," said Dr. Katie Helland, the director of Military Accession Policy.

Helland said only about 10% of America's youth is motivated to serve in the military, but a top recruiter for the Marines does not see that as a dead end.

"91% is just waiting to be inspired," said Maj. Gen. William Bowers with the U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting Command. "What a golden opportunity."

Every military branch has been trying to capitalize on that by changing how they recruit. Instead of focusing on high schools, a top recruiter for the Army said the branch is also targeting the younger workforce.

"I think it's building this great cohort of future soldiers," said Maj. Gen. Johnny Davis with the U.S. Army Recruiting Command.

A top recruiter with the Navy said pouring more resources into helping recruits pass academic and body fat standards is also paying off.

"Those sailors are committed in a way that's above and beyond the average that's in recruit training command," said Rear Adm. James Waters III with the U.S. Navy Recruiting Command.

The Pentagon is also using a pilot program to drop about 50 medical conditions from the list that has long disqualified people from joining the military.

"ADHD has actually been one where we've seen a lot of individuals come in," Helland said. 

However, other policies, like marijuana testing for recruits, remain.

"Marijuana is still prohibited for federal employees," Helland said. "And we'll have to continue to follow federal law."

Congress is debating whether to end the marijuana testing requirement. The provision is part of the major annual defense funding bill lawmakers could consider when they return after the election.