Volunteer Force Proves Worthy in Recruiting, Retention Figures

Recruiting and retention figures released Thursday show all services met or exceeded their recruiting goals for the month of June. This data comes soon after the 35th anniversary of the all-volunteer force, which was July 1. “There were concerns about how today’s fight would affect retention,” said Bill Carr, deputy undersecretary of defense for military personnel and policy, “and yet, retention has been as strong as at any time in our history. Volunteers want to serve.”

The Army National Guard recruited 5,290 soldiers in June, 100 percent of its goal. The Air National Guard brought in 910 airmen, which was 19 percent above its goal. The Army signed up 9,365 soldiers in June, 101 percent of its goal of 9,250. The Marine Corps topped its goal of 3,934 by 15 percent with 4,531 recruits. The Navy met its goal of 4,209 sailors and the Air Force brought in 2,203 airmen, topping its goal by six recruits. The Air Force Reserve, Army Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Navy Reserve all met or exceeded their goals for the month, as well. Retention figures, too, were at or above the goals for each of the services.

Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told troops in Iraq this week that only 30 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 are eligible for military service. He complimented recruiters for finding those who qualify and bringing them into the service. My hat goes off to those who recruit as they continue to make their numbers from month to month,” he said. Meanwhile, Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of forces in Iraq, re-enlisted 1,215 service members during a Fourth of July ceremony in Baghdad. “Volunteering to continue to serve our nation while deployed is both noble and inspiring,” he said.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him.

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas.