No Recession for Military Recruitment

The economy’s loss is the recruiter’s gain. Last year, according to the New York Times, all active-duty and reserve branches of the military met or exceeded their recruitment goals for the first time since 2004, thanks to a dwindling economy that’s made steady paychecks had to come by. In November, the Army recruited 5,605 soldiers, 6 percent over its goal, and the Army reserve signed 3,270 people, 16 percent above its goal. But the gain is about more than the economy. The decline of violence in Iraq and the new GI bill, which will expand education benefits, are also driving recruitment. Starting in August, service members who spend at least three years on active duty will be able to attend public colleges on the government dime or apply the same amount toward private tuition.