The Air Force Recruiting Service closed out fiscal year 2026 having met its recruiting goals, enlisting 31,950 U.S. Air Force Airmen and 730 U.S. Space Force Guardians.
The service, which oversees enlisted and officer accessions for the Air Force and Space Force, credited the results to consistent performance across its recruiting squadrons rather than any single program or push.
"Our recruiters did what they do every year--they worked the mission every day," said Col. Lacresha Merkle, AFRS commander. "Hitting the number is the expectation, and our recruiters delivered."
AFRS recruiting personnel operate out of squadrons across the country, working with applicants through the Delayed Entry Program before they ship to Basic Military Training. The service also supports accessions for career fields ranging from traditional Air Force specialties to Space Force operations.
Looking ahead, fiscal year 2027 planning is already underway, with recruiting strategies adjusted based on labor market trends, propensity-to-serve data and career field demand signals.
"Meeting the mission isn't the finish line--it's the baseline we build on," Merkle said. "Every applicant who signs that contract trusts us with their future, and our recruiters carry that responsibility into every conversation, every single day."
The Air Force Recruiting Service, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, oversees enlisted, officer and Space Force accessions across the Air Force's total force.
To explore full and part-time opportunities within the Air Force and Space Force, visit www.AirForce.com or www.SpaceForce.com. To speak with a recruiter, click here.
