APRIL 17, 2026 – The Air Force and Space Force achieved annual recruiting goals five months ahead of schedule, contracting 32,000 new active-duty Airmen and Guardians needed for the fiscal year.
To date, both services have sent nearly 25,000 active-duty recruits to basic military training, while the remaining personnel are scheduled to begin training by Sept. 30.
This year’s achievement continues Air Force Accessions Center’s trend in growing the largest Delayed Entry Program in over a decade, seeing a total of 18,000 recruits awaiting training dates. The DEP allows individuals to enlist in the military and postpone basic training for up to a year, giving future service members time to finalize personal affairs, prepare physically and mentally, and secure a job reservation.
“The Air Force and Space Force continue to set records, build momentum, and consistently exceed their recruiting goals,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. “By reaching our annual target five months early and maintaining the largest DEP in over a decade, we are seeing a truly inspiring pipeline of dedicated volunteers who are eager for their chance to serve. Now, we take up the task of growing them, training them, and maintaining that talent across the services.”
The Space Force exceeded its FY26 recruiting goal and has met its goals every year since its inception in 2019. The service continues to attract highly skilled and educated candidates, with more than one in five new Guardian recruits holding a college degree.
Established last year, the first Space Force Recruiting Squadron continued its mission of sustaining a long-term Guardian pipeline, leading to the service enlisting 730 active-duty Guardians.
The Air Force also met its goal to enlist 32,750 active-duty Airmen, while using improved technology and onboarding nearly 400 additional recruiting personnel since 2023.
Additionally, the Air Force now offers qualified recruits up to $40,000 in bonuses upon entering active-duty service, particularly for critical roles in maintenance, cyber and special operations.
To explore opportunities within the Air Force and Space Force, visit www.AirForce.com or www.SpaceForce.com. To speak with a recruiter near you, click here.
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs