The Blaze has reported that the U.S. Army exceeded its 2025 recruitment goal of 61,000 enlistees, with an increase in female recruitment attributed to the "warfighter" ethos promoted under President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The media outlet also urged Congress to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
Military recruiting has been a significant concern in recent years, with shortfalls raising questions about readiness and policy priorities. According to the Associated Press, the Army fell 15,000 recruits short of its 2022 goal, marking its largest deficit since the all-volunteer force was established in 1973. Analysts cited by AP attribute this shortfall to a shrinking pool of eligible young Americans and public skepticism regarding the military's direction.
The Army's rebound in 2025 represents a notable turnaround. Military.com reports that by June of that year, the Army had already surpassed its target of 61,000 new enlistees with four months remaining in the fiscal year. Officials highlighted increased enlistment rates among women across multiple branches. Some credit leadership changes under Trump and Hegseth for fostering a culture focused on combat readiness and boosting confidence in military service.
The debate over DEI policies within the armed forces has become a central issue in Congress. According to the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, the draft 2026 National Defense Authorization Act includes provisions such as Section 547, which prohibits race or identity from influencing service academy admissions, and Section 920, which repeals earlier DEI mandates within the Department of Defense. Analysts note these measures represent steps toward reform but fall short of establishing permanent bans on DEI initiatives throughout the military.
The Blaze is a conservative media organization founded by broadcaster Glenn Beck in 2010. Its official website states that it covers politics, culture, faith, and current events with a mission to challenge mainstream narratives and promote perspectives aligned with conservative values. The platform offers original reporting, opinion pieces, video programming, and radio shows and has become a prominent outlet for right-leaning audiences in the United States.
