Recruiting and Retention: An Overview of FY2008 and FY2009 Results for Active and Reserve Component Enlisted Personnel. Updated November 30, 2009

摘要

This report provides a brief overview of the recruiting and retention rates for Active and Reserve Component enlisted personnel during FY2008 and FY2009. Since 2001, the United States has launched major military operations which have dramatically increased the operations tempo of the military services, required the large-scale mobilization of reservists, and resulted in significant battle casualties. These factors have been particularly applicable to the Army, Army Reserve, Army National Guard, Marine Corps, and Marine Corps Reserve, which have shouldered the bulk of the manpower burden associated with operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many observers have expressed concern that these factors would lead to lower recruiting and retention rates and jeopardize the vitality of today's all-volunteer military. These concerns were most notable in FY2005-FY2007, when the Army had difficulty meeting its quantity goals and accepted lower quality recruits. However, these concerns have recently been mitigated by the more favorable recruiting and retention environment brought about by rising unemployment rates and the improved security situation in Iraq, coupled with reduced recruiting goals for the Army and Marine Corps now that both of those services have completed major expansions. Recruiting and retention results for FY2008 and FY2009 are summarized below. This report will be updated as necessary.