Recruiting Success Puts Year-End Goals Within Reach, Official Says

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Sept. 10, 2008 - With less than three weeks left of the fiscal year, all four military services met their active-duty recruiting goals for August and hope to maintain that momentum to reach their year-end goals, Defense Department officials said today. The Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force all met or exceeded their recruiting goals for the 15th consecutive month in August, according to new figures released today.

The Marine Corps, with 4,206 new accessions, attained 118 percent of its monthly goal. The Army boasted the most recruits – 10,093 – reaching 101 percent of its August goal.

The Navy and Air Force both met their goals with 4,141 and 2,763 accessions, respectively.

Meanwhile, five of the six reserve components met or exceeded their August goals. The Army National Guard recruited 5,807 new soldiers, 100 percent of its goal, and the Army Reserve achieved 98 percent of its goal with 3,107 accessions.

The Air National Guard reported 1,101 new airmen, 119 percent of its goal, and the Air Force Reserve signed on 729 members, exceeding its August goal by 36 percent.

The Navy Reserve and Marine Corps Reserve both met their August goals, with 517 and 520 accessions, respectively.

Pentagon spokeswoman Eileen Lainez called the 15th consecutive month of recruiting success a sign that the all-volunteer force, now 35 years old, remains solid.

"These numbers demonstrate the continued willingness of young men and women to serve their country in uniform – a willingness that is critical to America's defense, especially during a time of war," she said.