The Department of the Air Force achieved 100% of its annual recruitment goal three months ahead of schedule, a testament to the enduring appeal of service and the effectiveness of modernized recruiting strategies.
To date, the Air Force and Space Force have sent nearly 25,000 of the 30,000 contracted recruits to basic military training, while the remaining recruits are scheduled to begin training by Sept. 30.
This year's achievement is particularly noteworthy as the Air Force Recruiting Service has built its strongest Delayed Entry Program in the last decade, with a pool of over 14,000 recruits. This includes a record 750 Special Warfare Candidates, representing a historic number of individuals who have signed up for these challenging-to-fill career fields.
The Air Force Accessions Center located at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, is responsible for the AFRS mission.
"I am excited that both the Air Force and the Space Force have met their fiscal year 2025 recruiting goals three months early," said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. "The fact that we have even exceeded this goal and currently have a DEP at its largest level in 10 years speaks to the vast number of volunteers interested in serving their country today. Congratulations to the recruiting service on ensuring we have the best talent ready to join the Department of the Air Force and defend this great nation."
The Air Force attributes its success to a modernized recruiting approach, expanded community outreach, and a focus on highlighting career development. This generation is particularly motivated by careers that contribute to something larger than themselves and provide a sense of purpose and security.
"When you have a winning team, people want to join!" said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin. "This is shown through the Air Force's record recruitment, and I'm proud we've hit 100% of our fiscal year 2025 goal three months early. The Air Force invests in our Airmen and patriotic Americans ready to serve have noticed and are lining up and signing up. That's evident with the largest number of Special Warfare candidates awaiting training on record and the throngs of recruits motivated to start basic military training. We're thrilled to welcome these warriors into our Air Force!"
The Space Force also exceeded its FY25 recruiting goal and has met its goals every year since inception. The service continues to attract highly skilled and educated candidates, with more than one in five new Guardian recruits holding a college degree.
"I'm incredibly proud the Space Force reached our Fiscal Year 2025 recruiting goal a full three months ahead of schedule," said Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman. "This is the sixth consecutive year we've reached our target and filled our ranks with high caliber patriots. It's clear Americans are excited about the Space Force, and this achievement is a direct reflection of the talent our mission continues to attract."
The Space Force partnered with AFAC to establish the first Space Force Recruiting Squadron which will enable the service to sustain a long-term Guardian pipeline.
Recognizing the recruiters' exceptional dedication, Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson, commander of Air Education and Training Command, highlighted their ability to overcome challenges, exceeding expectations with a 1,200 plus-up mid-year in fiscal 2024 and inspiring 6,000 more Airmen and Guardians in fiscal 2025 than fiscal 2023, ultimately resulting in a substantial increase in the DEP.
"This remarkable achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication and professionalism of our recruiting force," Robinson said. Our recruiters have worked tirelessly to connect with America's youth and showcase the incredible opportunities the Air Force and Space Force provide."
AFRS has about 2,200 recruiters operating in over 1,275 recruiting offices across the United States and overseas. With a strong pool of young Americans volunteering to serve, the Air Force and Space Force are well-positioned for mission success in the future.
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 near you, click here.
