Staff Reports
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has made a bold statement that should send shivers down the spines of those who believed that America’s youth had lost interest in military service. Preliminary recruitment figures point to a dramatic resurgence in enlistment under the leadership of President Donald Trump. In fact, the Army recorded its highest recruitment totals in over a decade just one month after Trump secured re-election in December 2024. January 2025 followed suit, yielding the best numbers in 15 years, proving that nothing inspires young Americans quite like “America First” leadership.
This surge in interest clearly contrasts the narrative spun during the Biden administration. After the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan, many potential recruits were understandably hesitant to put their lives on the line. A further exodus of conservative and Christian service members pushed out for refusing the COVID vaccine only exacerbated the tensions within military ranks. Meanwhile, the military brass seemed more interested in promoting social justice initiatives like critical race theory than in fortifying the nation’s defense. It begs the question: How could anyone believe Trump was anti-military when his policies and leadership have engendered such a positive shift?
Trump’s return to the White House has already prompted tangible changes. One of his first significant actions was extending full rank and back pay to service members who were forced out for refusing the vaccine, effectively rolling out the welcome mat for those who had previously been pushed aside. The contrast with Biden could not be more stark; Trump exudes a sense of strength and decisiveness that was sorely missing during the previous administration.
Hegseth, a combat veteran known for his unapologetically conservative stance, has emerged as a refreshing figure for potential recruits. Unlike his predecessor, Lloyd Austin, Hegseth has made it clear that restoring a warrior ethos to the armed services is a priority. His youthful energy, physical fitness, and tattooed appearance resonate well with traditional military demographics, making him a much more relatable figure for those considering a life of service.
The changes in military recruitment strategy are already evident. The U.S. Army has pivoted away from the woke and politically correct ads that dominated under Biden. A new recruitment ad features troops firing weapons and engaging in intense physical drills, sending a clear message: this is about fighting and winning. Young Americans are much more likely to enlist if they’re being called to defend their country rather than engage in ideological battles over gender pronouns or diversity quotas. The bottom line is that leadership truly matters in the military, where clarity and competence can mean the difference between life and death. Young Americans are ready to step up and serve, but only if it’s for the principles they believe in: loyalty to their nation and the preservation of their freedoms.
A president that will have their back & not look for a needless war to get them into.
What a Difference a POTUS Makes: Army Recruiting for December and January Both Shatter Records Going Back Years https://t.co/55WHBuO5mz
— Steven Krahn (@chkhmd4qmb) February 5, 2025
