The U.S. military is struggling to meet its fiscal 2022 recruiting goals. A number obtained by NBC News shows a minuscule fraction willing to consider serving, and a record low percentage of young Americans qualified to serve. The Pentagon leaders are now scrambling for ways to find new recruits who will fill out the ranks of service. According to Lloyd Austin the U.S. Defense Secretary and his Deputy Hicks, the shortfall is a serious issue. “This is the start of a long drought for military recruiting,” said Ret. Lt. Gen. Thomas Spoehr.
This year’s number so far
The U.S. Space Force will certainly make its goals this fiscal year. Being the newest branch in the United States military, only 500 Guardians will be recruited.
The Air Force needs to enlist 100 times as many airmen (about 50,000) but is presently more than 4,000 below the targeted number at this point of the fiscal recruiting year. While the Air Force Reserve and National Guard are doubtful to meet this year’s goals, the active duty is taking it week to week.
The Army saw 40 percent of its enlisted recruiting mission for the 2022 fiscal year, with just two months left, which ends September, 30.
Navy officials are using the summer movie “Top gun: Maverick” to attract new recruits. To them, their active duty will meet its overall strength goal before the end of the fiscal year. The active duty Marine Corps is also showing promising results in its recruiting goals. In charge of manpower, the Marine Corps recently told Congress that 2022 is certainly the most puzzling recruiting year since the inception of the all-volunteer force.
The Coast Guard is lagging behind with 55 percent of its target of 4,200 active duty enlistments. But has met 93 and 80 percent of its goals for officers and reserves respectively.
How to fix the recruitment crisis
To tackle this growing challenge, the Pentagon is reviewing some disqualifiers for service. This includes medical conditions that have required recruits to obtain a waiver for service. Also, they are looking to surge recruitment by targeting more influencers like coaches, teachers, and parents. Furthermore, more recruiting stations are being created with multiple services.