WASHINGTON (NEWSnet/AP) — U.S. Army and Air Force say they are on track to meet recruiting goals in 2024, through new programs and policy changes. U.S. Navy, while improving, expects to fall short.

The mixed results reflect the ongoing challenge for the U.S. military as it struggles to attract recruits in a tight job market.

With six months remaining in the recruiting year, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said she is optimistic about hitting the 55,000 enlistment goal and getting an additional 5,000 recruits for the delayed entry pool.

In the prior fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30, Air Force, Army and Navy each failed to meet the recruitment threshold. Army fell 15,000 short of its intended 60,000. Marine Corps and Space Force have reached goals consistently.

Navy leaders say they expect to miss a recruiting goal of about 40,600 by roughly 6,700.

A key to success, said Wormuth, has been the Army's future-soldier prep course, which has graduated about 17,000 soldiers since it began in August 2022, including about 5,300 so far in this fiscal year.

The Air Force made several policy changes, relaxing tattoo rules, boosting bonuses and expanding its effort to recruit lawful permanent residents.

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