The June recruiting numbers show a continuing downward trend for the Air National Guard that now spans five months. The Air Guard recruited just 75 percent of its goal of 1,036 airmen. Most of the media focus over last month’s statistics, however, is on the Army, which has now missed its goals for two months. In contrast, the Army National Guard recruited a few more than its goal of 5,338. The saving grace for the Air Guard continues to be its strong retention (98 percent for June), enabling an end strength of 99 percent. The active Air Force and Air Force Reserve Command both met their June goals.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
