DoD Announces Recruiting and Retention Numbers for Fiscal 2009

The latest numbers from Washington on U.S. troop strength, with figures indicating that the various military departments are meeting goals.

Two soldiers from the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne during a light hearted moment, while on patrol in Iraq. Salem-News.com photo by Tim King

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - The Department of Defense announced today its recruiting and retention statistics for active and reserve components for fiscal 2009.

Active Duty Recruiting for Fiscal 2009. All four services met or exceeded their recruiting goals for fiscal 2009.

-The Army had 70,045 accessions, making 108 percent of its 65,000 goal.

-The Navy had 35,527 accessions, making 100 percent of its 35,500 goal.

-The Marine Corps had 31,413 accessions, making 100 percent of its 31,400 goal.

-The Air Force had 31,983 accessions, making 100 percent of its 31,980 goal.

Active Duty Retention. Retention was successful for all services in fiscal 2009.

Reserve Forces Recruiting for Fiscal 2009. All six Reserve components met or exceeded their goals for fiscal 2009.

-The Army National Guard had 56,071 accessions, making 100 percent of its 56,000 goal and the Army Reserve had 36,189 accessions, making 105 percent of its 34,598 goal.

-The Navy Reserve had 7,793 accessions, making 101 percent of its 7,743 goal.

-The Marine Corps Reserve had 8,805 accessions, making 122 percent of its 7,194 goal.

-The Air National Guard had 10,075 accessions, making 106 percent of its 9,500 goal, and the Air Force Reserve had 8,604 accessions, making 109 percent of its 7,863 goal.

Reserve Attrition. Losses in all Reserve components are among the best in recent years. (Note: This indicator lags by one month).

Source: Department of Defense