The U.S. National Guard achieved a significant milestone by exceeding its recruitment targets for fiscal year 2025. According to an announcement made on September 23, the Air National Guard and the Army National Guard together recruited approximately 50,000 new members. Air Force General Steve Nordhaus, head of the National Guard Bureau, attributed this success to young Americans’ willingness to serve, emphasizing the appeal of the long-term value and career opportunities offered by the National Guard.
The Appeal of a Dual Life in the Army National Guard
The Army National Guard launched a new marketing campaign in March titled “The Unusual Calls,” which has helped it exceed its recruitment goals. The campaign highlights the dual lives of soldiers who balance their civilian careers with their Guard duties during emergencies and national crises. This approach appeals to individuals like Staff Sergeant Bruno DaSilva of the Massachusetts National Guard. DaSilva confirmed this balance, stating, “I have my own company outside the National Guard… I’m in the insurance industry. I’m able to serve my country in the National Guard while also running my business.”
As a result, the Army National Guard has reached a strength of 328,000 soldiers. Colonel Timothy Smith, Commander of the Army National Guard Force Sustainment Unit, acknowledged the role of dedicated recruitment specialists and the Future Soldier Prep Course in this achievement. Smith emphasized that preparation begins with recruitment specialists and that filling the final slots is the foundation of that preparation. The Future Soldier Prep Course serves as a bridge for candidates who need academic or physical development before beginning basic training and has enabled approximately 7,000 Army National Guard candidates to begin basic training to date.
Centralization and a Culture of Opportunity in the Air National Guard
The Air National Guard is also on track to exceed its recruitment goals, moving toward surpassing 105,000 airmen by the end of the fiscal year. Colonel Daniel Curtin, Director of Recruitment and Employment for the Air National Guard, noted that this success is due to multiple factors and that there has been “19 consecutive months of year-over-year growth in new enlistments.” Curtin stated that there is a strong recruitment environment and that they are working to create a “culture of excellence and opportunity” that appeals to potential candidates.
A key driver of this success is the Air National Guard’s efforts to centralize recruitment operations across every state and region. Recruitment positions, which were previously decentralized, will now operate as separate units or wings dedicated solely to recruitment and retention. Curtin noted that this structural change is the most important step toward establishing an officially appointed command structure that ensures a single officer is responsible for recruitment efforts in that state or region. He also added that funding for 150 temporary recruitment support positions and 210 temporary Unit Personnel Certificate positions in fiscal year 2025 plays a vital role in improving recruitment operations.
Maintaining Momentum Despite Exceeding Targets
General Nordhaus emphasized that, despite this historic achievement, the National Guard must maintain its momentum in recruitment. Nordhaus said, “The source of our strength is our combat capabilities—the formidable deterrent power of the men and women of the National Guard. Even though we have exceeded our goals this year with historic levels of recruitment, we cannot take our foot off the gas.”
National Guard leaders note that there is a need for every determined American who wants to serve but cannot fully realize their potential—while maintaining standards—and that programs such as the Future Soldier Readiness Course help them reach that potential. The National Guard states that while it continues to retain the most talented and skilled members of the Army and Air Force, it will resolutely continue its efforts to recruit a new generation of elite warriors.
