The Air Force active and reserve components continue to post strong recruiting numbers so far in Fiscal 2011, as are the Army, Marine Corps, and Navy active and reserve elements, according to the Pentagon’s newest recruiting statistics released Wednesday. Through December, the Air Force active duty component has attracted 6,907 new recruits, matching exactly its fiscal year-to-date goal. The Air National Guard has 1,564 accessions so far, just eight shy of its year-to-date goal. The Air Force Reserve is tracking 14 recruits ahead of its goal, having brought in 2,354 accessions so far. Meanwhile, the Army active duty and reserve components are exceeding their year-to-date goals, while the Navy’s components are exactly meeting theirs. The Marine Corps is right on track so far in the fiscal year, while the Marine Corps Reserve sits well ahead of its goal. (See also previous month’s figures)
The U.S. military is carrying out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions along the southern border and off the coast of Mexico using U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint and U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft as part of the Pentagon’s effort to secure the southern border at the direction of President…