US Army hits 2026 recruiting goals four months early, Pete Hegseth announces at West Point commencement

The United States Army reached its recruiting goals for 2026 four months early, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth revealed during a Saturday commencement speech at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

"Recruitments are up across the joint force, and I'm pleased to announce that just two days ago, the U.S. Army met its 2026 recruiting goals four months early," Hegseth said.

"A second record year in a row. That means you're about to train this group right here and lead 61,500 new soldiers.