The active and reserve components are maintaining their recruiting and retention numbers right where they want in the new fiscal year, according to the Pentagon. Like the October results, November data show all the active duty branches at or above 100 percent in meeting their enlisted recruiting goals. And, while the Air and Army National Guard, alone of the reserve components, were significantly below their advertised goals, Pentagon officials say the Guard components had to adjust their efforts downward to prevent exceeding their authorized strengths. Air Force Reserve Command topped the list, bringing in 166 percent of its goal of 457 recruits. (Pentagon release)
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.
