Pentagon officials are crediting the leadership of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump for a sharp increase in the number of female military recruits across all service branches in fiscal year 2025. According to Pentagon figures, approximately 7,260 more women have enlisted so far this year compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year, bringing the total number of recruits to 23,985. This increase is attributed to the administration’s focus on a ‘warrior’ mentality and enhanced troop pay, which includes three consecutive pay raises ranging from 4% to 5%, with an additional 10% for junior enlisted soldiers.
The Army, in particular, has exceeded its recruitment goals for fiscal 2025, with officials stating that the service branch has signed contracts with over 61,000 future soldiers, which is more than 10% higher than the 55,000 recruits targeted in fiscal 2024. This progress was announced in June, four months before the end of the fiscal year. The increase in recruitment is also being credited to a broader shift in public opinion regarding military service, with a survey by the Defense Department indicating that 87% of those between the ages of 16 and 21 were not considering military service due to concerns about physical injury and emotional toll. However, the administration’s policies have reportedly led to an increase in recruits, despite these youth sentiments.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been at the center of several controversies, including his comments about women in combat roles and the removal of several female leaders from top Pentagon positions during the Biden administration. Hegseth has defended these actions, stating that the leadership does not discriminate and that men have also been removed from top roles. Additionally, Hegseth’s reassignment of Adm. Yvette Davids from the Naval Academy superintendent position to the deputy chief of naval operations has drawn criticism, with some viewing it as a demotion. However, officials insist it was a promotion, with Davids’ new role being a step towards becoming a four-star admiral.
The administration’s approach has also been marked by its focus on the ‘warrior’ mentality, with Hegseth stating that the military should prioritize lethality and mission readiness over political considerations. This stance has been supported by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., an Air Force Veteran, who has praised the administration for its focus on strengthening the military and improving trust among troops. However, the administration’s policies have also been questioned, particularly in light of Hegseth’s public statements questioning the effectiveness of integrating women into direct ground combat roles, and his recent reposting of a controversial clip from a CNN interview with a pastor affiliated with his church’s denomination, which included statements that have drawn criticism for reinforcing traditional gender roles.