The Air Force and its two reserve components ushered in the new fiscal year by reaching 100 percent or better toward their recruiting goals. The Air National Guard fared best, recruiting 117 percent of its goal for the month of October. The Pentagon reported Friday that all the active duty and reserve components achieved their goals, with the exception of the Army Reserve and Navy Reserve. The Air Force, ANG, and Air Force Reserve also met or exceeded their retention goals for the month.
The Air Force is requesting about $141 million for initial enlistment bonuses in its fiscal 2026 budget, while Space Force wants $13 million.