The Trump Effect: U.S. Army Reports Best Recruiting Numbers In Over A Decade

Army STRONG

President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” mantra appears to be stretching to our country’s armed forces, as the U.S. Army reports they are seeing their best recruiting numbers in over a decade. The White House posted a message to social media letting Americans know that in December, the Army had their best recruiting numbers in 12 years.

That trend continued into January, when the U.S. Army experienced recruiting numbers at levels that haven’t been seen in over 15 years. So the White House is chalking it up as win for the Trump administration, saying:

“WE’RE SO BACK. The U.S. Army has achieved its highest recruiting numbers in 15 years, following a 12-year high in December. Under President Trump’s America First leadership, Americans are answering the call to serve.”

WE'RE SO BACK 🇺🇸

The @USArmy has achieved its highest recruiting numbers in 15 years, following a 12-year high in December.

Under President Trump’s America First leadership, Americans are answering the call to serve. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/R4eqKoXkJS

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 5, 2025

Love that the official White House social media account is using a phrase like, “We’re so back.” It’s about time we relaxed the language.

The U.S. Army Recruiting Command, or USAREC, also proudly posted about the increase in recruiting numbers in the past couple of months. Though they didn’t disclose a total number of the month, the USAREC appears to be bringing in new recruits in droves. One could do the math and assume that the service saw over 10,000 new recruits in December alone:

“U.S. Army Recruiting had their most productive December in 15 years by enlisting 346 Soldiers daily into the world’s greatest army! Our Recruiters have one of the toughest jobs – inspiring the next generation of soldiers to serve. Congratulations and keep up the great work!”

.@USAREC had their most productive December in 15 years by enlisting 346 Soldiers daily into the World's greatest #USArmy!

Our Recruiters have one of the toughest jobs – inspiring the next generation of #Soldiers to serve.

Congratulations and keep up the great work! #BAYCB pic.twitter.com/OkgdnwzZHb

— U.S. Army Recruiting (@usarec) February 4, 2025

Could one simply draw this up as the “Donald Trump Effect?”

Newly confirmed Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth attributed the boom to new leadership, and has personally vowed to serve the best interests of the American people, and focus on the health, safety, and well-being of the brave men and women of the United States military via proper funding, proper training, proper healthcare. It’s about meritocracy, putting America first, and creating the world’s best war fighters… not identity politics.

“America’s youth want to serve under the bold & strong “America First” leadership of Donald Trump.”

BREAKING: In December 2024, the @USArmy had its best recruiting number in 12 years.

In January 2025, the Army hit its best recruiting number in 15 YEARS.

BOTTOM LINE: America’s youth want to serve under the bold & strong “America First” leadership of @realDonaldTrump.

— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) February 4, 2025

The timing of the increase in recruitment would certainly point towards young Americans enlisting and trusting in Donald Trump to lead the way. However, some credit is also due to be given to the Army’s recent overhaul in recruiting tools, which began early in 2024.

Madison Bonzo, a spokesperson for the U.S. Army Recruiting Command, told Task and Force:

“U.S. Army Recruiting Command is on track to exceed the fiscal year 2025 recruitment goal of 61,000 new Soldiers and an additional 10,000 in the Delayed Entry Program. As of today, USAREC has contracted 59% of the current FY25 goal.

Our success couldn’t be possible without the hard work of our recruiters, continued transformation of the recruiting enterprise and modernization initiatives to attract qualified talent into America’s most lethal fighting force.”

It’s probably safe to say that the increase in recruiting numbers in the past couple months can be attributed to both the Army’s recent efforts and President Donald Trump taking back over as Commander in Chief. Trump being President certainly doesn’t hurt anything, and as I mentioned earlier, the White House is claiming it as win for the POTUS.

If you ask me, I’d say ads like this one below are really doing a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to recruiting. Showing non-stop action while dubstep-rock music plays is one hell of an advertising strategy. Who wouldn’t get fired up – and inspired to help their country – after watching something like this?

Our warrior ethos is clear: to fight and win.

Hooah! pic.twitter.com/kyGBkt4dAV

— U.S. Army (@USArmy) February 4, 2025

HOOAH!