So far this fiscal year, all active and most of the reserve components have achieved—or bettered—their monthly recruiting goals, according to the latest numbers released by DOD. The new data, combined with that from the previous three months, indicates that USAF has recruited an average of 2,260 active duty airmen, making its goal each month. The Air National Guard, after a somewhat problematic few months last fiscal year, consistently has achieved better than its monthly goals this year. Air Force Reserve Command has met or bettered its goals, as well. However, Air Force officials already are predicting that the recruiting picture will get tougher with the push to increase the number of soldiers and marines.
Unit commanders are being told to separate service members who can’t shave their cheeks and chin for medical reasons for more than a year, according to new guidance from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.