Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, speaking to graduates of the West Point military academy in New York State, announced plans to increase the size of the US Armed Forces by 2027.
According to Hegseth, the military is steadily meeting its recruitment targets. He noted that in 2026, the plan for bringing in new personnel was completed ahead of schedule, while further growth in troop numbers is expected in 2027.
In May, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine said around 1.8 million people are currently serving in the US military.
The Pentagon had earlier taken several steps to address personnel shortages. The age limit for joining the Army was raised from 35 to 42, while requirements for candidates with criminal records were eased. These measures became part of a broader reform aimed at overcoming the recruitment crisis that intensified in 2022–2023.
On April 30, US President Donald Trump, amid disagreements with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, announced the withdrawal of 5,000 American troops from Germany. He later said the reduction would be much larger, adding that the troop transfer could take between six and twelve months.