IN 2025, AIR FORCE RECRUITING GOALS ARE RAISING, ALONG WITH EXPECTATIONS
We need Airmen, and troops in all branches, but recruiting woes have been in the headlines frequently; however, some good news is finally here. Not only are the Air Force recruiting goals encouraging, but the USAF is even setting its sights on new heights to surpass its successes in 2024, next year.
Is the Air Force Meeting Recruiting Goals?
After years of uncertainty, Air Force recruitment goals are back on track for the fiscal year. Not only did Air Force recruitment goals in 2024 meet expectations but there is now a push to increase them by 20% in 2025.
In FY 2023, the entire Air Force missed all of its marks for recruitment for the first time in decades, leaving the branch scrambling for answers.
It’s no secret that there have been struggles throughout the American Armed Forces to generate the type of interest among younger generations to join the ranks, but recent years have proven exceptionally bad.
Now, the USAF has taken an even more focused approach and is finally seeing the success it needs to maintain its roster of Airmen for present and future conflicts.
The Air Force Wants 32,500 New Airmen in 2025
In 2024, the Air Force recruiting goal was 27,100 new recruits but the branch isn’t completely satisfied with remaining at this figure next year.
Brig. Gen. Christopher Amrhein, a Commander of the Air Force Recruiting Service, is now setting a goal of 32,500 new recruits in 2025—a 20% year-over-year increase.
This sets a new challenge for a force that is just getting back on track and still facing plenty of outside factors, including lucrative opportunities in the private sector, a lack of desire to join the military, and a negative view of the culture within the American Armed Forces.
However, the USAF has a need, and lofty ideas for its future, and is investing in its recruitment efforts with nearly 400 new people working specifically on recruiting.
The Air Force Expands its Recruiting Efforts
There have been 377 additional personnel added to the recruiting efforts of the Air Force, helping bolster the branch’s efforts.
Before expanding to reach the Air Force recruiting goals set for FY 2025, there were 1,390 recruiters available.
Now, the Airmen who are taking on the task will help keep the USAF back on track by focusing on not only support but also on special warfare recruiting.
The Air Force is searching far and wide for new Airmen. While many recruiters will be stationed in the southern portion of the U.S., others are headed to Europe and the Pacific.
Furthermore, others will work in agile recruiting cells specifically deployed to high-need areas.
Changes to recruiting processes, like reinstating the college loan repayment program, easing tattoo and marijuana policies, and using medical waivers, are helping the Air Force meet its recruitment goals.
The Air Force has not lowered standards, despite these changes, and remains committed to recruiting qualified individuals. However, there has been a shift to help the force reach its goals in an evolving world.
Additionally, non-citizens with green cards can now join the Air Force after two years instead of 10, with accelerated naturalization at basic training, further broadening the recruitment pool.
The Air Force is also planning to further expand opportunities for green card holders to help them qualify for certain jobs once naturalizing.
Air Force Recruiting Goals in 2025 Optimistic Due to Increase in Recruits
The increase in personnel and refocus on recruiting efforts continues to have the USAF trending upward, which is why the branch is so confident in its ability to hit its 2025 goals.
Whereas 8,800 new recruits were heading to Air Force basic training in 2023, at the same time in 2024, there were 11,000.
This reversal of fortune is just the trend needed to elevate and hit Air Force recruitment goals in 2025.
With a continued focus on the importance of our nation’s aerial combat abilities, the upward trend of Air Force recruiting goals is a welcomed sign for everyone.
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