The Pentagon reports that military recruitment is improving

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The Pentagon reports that recruitment in its military branches is up.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the military recruited 12.5 percent more people in fiscal year 2024 than 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, director of Military Accession Policy.

Helland said only about 10 percent of America’s young people are motivated to serve in the military, but a top Marine recruiter doesn’t see that as a dead end.

“91 percent are waiting to be inspired,” said Maj. Gen. William Bowers of the U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting Command. “What a golden opportunity.”

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

“I think this great cohort of future soldiers is being built,” said Maj. Gen. Johnny Davis of the U.S. Army Recruiting Command.

A top Navy recruiter said devoting more resources to helping recruits pass academic and body fat standards is paying off.

“Those Sailors are engaged in a way that is above and beyond the average of the Recruit Training Command,” said Rear Adm. James Waters III of the U.S. Naval 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 people come in,” Helland said.

However, other policies remain, such as marijuana-testing for recruits.

“Marijuana is still prohibited for federal employees,” Helland said. “And we will have to continue to comply with federal law.”

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

For the latest news, weather, sports and video streaming, go to Queen City News.