Automatic registration for US military draft-eligible men to begin in December
Automatic registration into Selective Service was mandated in December 2025, when President Donald Trump signed into law the fiscal year 2026 NDAA.
Military Recruiting
Navy hits historic recruiting numbers with more ads, tattoo approvals
Fiscal 2025 was the best recruiting year for the Navy since 2002. The head of Navy recruiting credited the feat, in part, to streamlining tattoo approvals.
Marines move some recruiting centers to urban hubs in massive realignment
To date, they have closed the Corps’ recruiting station headquarters in Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Des Moines, Iowa.
Opinion
How addressing waivers and eligibility can fix the recruiting crisis
There are many factors that contribute to the recruiting crisis facing the military, but at least one of them is within the Pentagon's power to fix.
Army recruiting reforms go ‘back to the future’ to fix ongoing crisis
The Army appears to have modeled recruiting reforms after a defunct organization that fell victim to budget cuts, not performance.
Air Force, Space Force raise max enlistment age to 42
The change arrives around a month after the Air Force missed its recruiting target for the first time since 1999.
Marine Corps eyes national rebranding of recruiting centers
Marine Corps recruiting offices across the country may soon be getting a major face-lift for the first time in more than 17 years.
Senators press Pentagon on new medical system’s recruiting impact
A letter to the Defense Department Wednesday seeks answers on how the Genesis military health system, and the need for more waivers, affects recruiting.
Army recruiters at two-thirds of contract goals as fiscal year closes
Army Times obtained internal recruiting data that details the service's continuing recruiting crisis.
How high-speed drone racing could aid struggling Air Force recruitment
The Drone Racing League is for “tech-setters” not attracted to sports like football. Instead, they lean into gaming and simulation.
National Guard closes end-strength gap, but recruitment woes persist
Despite adjustments, the National Guard's struggle to recruit new troops continues.
Services need to track recruits’ medical waiver decisions, DoD IG says
Tracking why an applicant does not request a medical waiver could help improve the ongoing military recruiting crisis, according to the watchdog.
The ‘Genesis’ of today’s recruiting crisis
Leaders blame various factors for the recruiting crisis. But some recruiters on the front lines say one big cause is missing from the conversation.
Lawmakers accuse Army of ignoring ‘woke’ policies that hurt recruiting
At issue is partial survey data released by Army officials earlier this month that pointed to other factors as obstacles to recruiting efforts.
Army’s parental leave policy will mirror private sector more closely
The Army was the last to release its updated policy following a directive issued by the Pentagon.
Can the military boost recruitment by allowing more tattoos?
A congressional panel wants Pentagon leaders to look into the issue.
New details emerge with surveillance video of North Carolina recruiting station shooting
We now know the tactics and weapons the suspected shooter used, as well as how Marines and sailors in the center responded.
