U.S. Military Exceeds Recruiting Goals in December

The Department of Defense (DoD) reports that all active duty branches of the U.S. Military exceeded their recruiting goals during the month of December 2005. In addition, DoD reports that all services met or exceeded their overall retention (reenlistment) goals for December and are projected to meet their retention goals for fiscal year 2006.

Both the U.S. Army and Marine Corps reported recruiting 106 percent of their projected monthly goals, while the Air Force and Navy achieved 101 percent of their recruiting goals for the month.

The improved recruiting performance should come as good news to those concerned about the potential reinstatement of a military draft.

In recruiting for military reserve forces, four of the six reserve military branches met or exceeded their recruiting goals in December. Army National Guard retention was 101 percent of the cumulative goal of 7,516, and Air National Guard retention was 97 percent of its cumulative goal of 2,356. Both Guard components are currently at 95 and 99 percent of their end strength, respectively.

On January 10, 2006, the DoD confirmed that 2,209 U.S. troops had been killed in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom, which began on March 19, 2003.

Also See:
Half of 18-29 Year-Olds Think Bush Wants to Reinstate Draft
Despite Sagging Recruitment, Draft Still Doubtful