The latest recruiting and retention data show that the Air National Guard has exceeded its monthly recruiting goal for July by five percent, marking the third straight month ANG has topped its monthly goals. However, the Air Guard’s average so far for the fiscal year is still down, now at 93 percent of its goal. Only the Naval Reserve shows a poorer year-to-date rate at 84 percent. The Air Force Reserve has brought in 103 percent toward its annual goal, and the other reserve components are all near 100 percent. All the active forces have met or exceeded their annual goals for the first 10 months. High retention continues to bolster the end strength of the Air Guard, which, for July, was at 107 percent of its cumulative goal.
The Pentagon’s fiscal 2026 defense budget, submitted to Congress last week, accelerates the downsizing of the U.S. Air Force. It proposes divesting 340 aircraft, while only acquiring 76. These cuts risk the Air Force’s ability to prevail.
