The U.S. military has long been a well-known and respected institution throughout American history, but in recent years, there has been a decline in enlistment.  At Bob Jones, students can learn more about military careers by participating in Air Force ROTC or by speaking with recruiters during their visits to the school.

The U.S. military reached its highest number of troops during World War II, specifically in 1945, with over 12 million active members. Unfortunately, participation has significantly declined since then. For the past three years, the military has failed to meet its recruitment goals across all branches.

Reports showed 2.86 million active military members in 2023. As of 2025, that number has dropped to just 1.32 million—and it continues to decrease. This ongoing decline has raised concerns about the country’s ability to respond effectively in a major conflict.

So, why are fewer Americans choosing to serve?

It’s a mix of reasons. Some people are hesitant to enlist depending on who is in political office. Others prioritize building a family, pursuing entrepreneurship, or feel that military pay doesn’t match the time and effort required.

Another major factor is the overall physical and mental health of young Americans. According to The Washington Post, “Only about 23% of all Americans between the ages of 17–24 meet the Army’s physical, moral, and educational standards.” That means over 70% of individuals in this key age range are ineligible to serve.

Recruitment challenges also intersect with gender trends. Studies have shown that “male enlistments, America’s main demographic, have dropped by 35% over the past 10 years, whereas female recruits have hovered around the same percentage” (Martin, Amanpour). While women continue to play a vital role in the armed forces, the sharp decline in male enlistment has significantly impacted overall recruitment numbers.

In conclusion, military recruitment is in steady decline. Whether due to shifting cultural values, stricter eligibility requirements, or changing priorities among young Americans, the numbers continue to fall. Hopefully, this trend will reverse in the future, allowing the U.S. to maintain the strong defense force it has long been known for.