Army claims progress in recruiting

WASHINGTON — The Army narrowed its recruiting gap to 92% of its goal by the end of July after facing one of its largest deficits in years in May.

The Army recruited 44,241 soldiers of its goal of 47,944 in July, said Kelli Brand, a spokeswoman for the Army’s recruiting command. In May, the Army missed its goal by 5,222 soldiers, recruiting 33,382 in all, 13.5% short of its goal of 38,604.

The Army expects to close the gap further by the end of August, predicting it will reach 95.8% of the recruits it needs. By the end of September and the fiscal year it operates under, the Army projects it will exceed its goal of 59,000.

At the end of July, the Army had commitments from 59,000 men and women, Bland said. But until they ship to their initial post, those potential soldiers can back out.

Improving economic conditions generally cause the Army to have difficulty in filling its ranks. Men and women ages 18 to 24, young adults the Army needs for its combat and support units, have more alternative job opportunities in a strong economy.

When the unemployment rate sinks below about 6%, recruiting becomes more challenging, said Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Snow, who leads Army Recruiting Command. Recruiters have had to work harder this year than last to find new soldiers, he said.

During the last recruiting drought of the mid-2000s, the Army relaxed its standards, accepting more recruits with educational deficiencies and other problems. It has not done so this year, Snow said, noting that few waivers had been issued for recruits who fail to meet minimum requirements.