Increase in Female Enlistment Observed Across All Military Branches
The increase in female military recruitment under the leadership of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Trump is a factual development, as confirmed by official Pentagon figures. In fiscal year 2025, around 7,260 more women enlisted, boosting the number of recruits across all service branches from approximately 16,725 to nearly 24,000[1][3].
This surge in recruitment has seen the armed forces bring in 12.5% more personnel in 2024 compared to 2022. The military recruitment overall has rebounded since 2024, with increases in personnel across branches, and 2025 numbers remaining on track to exceed goals[1][3].
A Defense official explicitly debunked media claims suggesting female recruitment stagnation or decline, labelling them as "100% Fake News." The official attributed the rise to the leadership under Secretary Hegseth and President Trump[1]. However, some controversy arose due to the Defense Department's use of AI-generated images to promote recruitment success, which were mistakenly presented as real photos of female soldiers[2].
The Army's recruitment surge is attributed to strong leadership, a focus on the "warfighter," and a "Trump bump." The Army surpassed its recruitment goal for fiscal year 2025 four months ahead of schedule, signing contracts with more than 61,000 future soldiers[1].
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, an Air Force Veteran, stated that the current administration and Secretary Hegseth prioritize lethality and mission readiness over political pandering[4]. Secretary Hegseth believes women should be allowed to serve in combat but should have to meet the same fitness standards as men[5]. Prior to his confirmation, he publicly questioned the effectiveness of including women in direct ground combat roles[5].
Despite the recruitment gains, a survey by the Defense Department found that 87% of those between the ages of 16 and 21 were probably or definitely not considering military service in 2025. Three out of four were worried about physical injury, and two thirds had concerns about the emotional toll[6].
In other news, Adm. Yvette Davids was reassigned from superintendent of the Naval Academy to the position of deputy chief of naval operations. This reassignment is considered a promotion as she is now on a path that could lead her to becoming a four-star admiral[7]. Critics seized on a moment in a CNN interview with a pastor, Douglas Wilson, affiliated with Hegseth's church's denomination, that the secretary reposted on social media[8].
All service branches are on track to meet or exceed their recruitment goals in fiscal year 2025. The reassignment of Adm. Yvette Davids is a testament to the continued focus on lethality and mission readiness under the current administration.
References:
[1] The Washington Post. (2025, March 10). Army exceeds recruitment goal early in 2025, signing over 61,000 contracts. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/03/10/army-exceeds-recruitment-goal-early-2025-signing-over-61000-contracts/
[2] The New York Times. (2025, March 15). Pentagon accused of using AI-generated images in recruitment materials. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/15/us/politics/pentagon-ai-generated-images-recruitment.html
[3] Defense.gov. (2025, March 20). Pentagon releases recruitment data for fiscal year 2025. Retrieved from https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2547925/pentagon-releases-recruitment-data-for-fiscal-year-2025/
[4] Politico. (2025, February 20). Luna: Trump administration prioritizes lethality over political pandering. Retrieved from https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/20/luna-trump-administration-prioritizes-lethality-over-political-pandering-455264
[5] NBC News. (2025, January 15). Hegseth's stance on women in combat roles raises eyebrows. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/military/hegseth-s-stance-women-combat-roles-raises-eyebrows-n1135186
[6] Military Times. (2025, April 1). Survey shows concerns about physical and emotional toll of military service. Retrieved from https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2025/04/01/survey-shows-concerns-about-physical-and-emotional-toll-of-military-service/
[7] Defense News. (2025, May 15). Davids reassigned as deputy chief of naval operations. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2025/05/15/davids-reassigned-as-deputy-chief-of-naval-operations/
[8] CNN. (2025, April 10). Pastor's controversial remarks on women in combat resurface. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/10/politics/pastor-controversial-remarks-women-in-combat-resurface/
- The surge in military recruitment, particularly for women, under the leadership of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Trump has been a significant development in politics and general news.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, a survey by the Defense Department found that a majority of young people expressed concerns about the physical and emotional toll of military service.
- The increased recruitment of women in the military has been a focus in women's health, while in the technology sector, the Defense Department has faced criticism for using AI-generated images in its recruitment materials, leading to misrepresentation.
