How Is the U.S. Investing to Strengthen Its Military?

Amid ongoing recruitment challenges, the U.S. military has invested more than $6 billion between 2022 and 2024 to recruit and retain personnel across its armed forces. The Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps each employed financial incentives, training programs, and expanded eligibility policies to reverse declining enlistment trends, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruption of traditional outreach efforts.

The Navy spent the most over the three years, especially in reenlistment bonuses, while the Army led in overall recruiting bonuses in 2022 and 2024. Notably, the Army introduced a Future Soldier Prep Course to help underqualified recruits meet military standards, contributing to its recovery.

The Marine Corps, though smaller, increased early reenlistment bonuses, while the Air Force adjusted its spending based on shortfall severity. The Space Force remains the smallest and does not offer enlistment bonuses.

While some leaders credit the recent uptick to the political climate under President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, officials emphasize structural reforms and financial strategies as key drivers.