Navy Recruiting Rebounds, But Faces Delays in Boot Camp Training

The U.S. Navy is on track to meet its recruitment goal of 40,600 new sailors by the end of September, thanks to new recruiting programs. However, the Navy will fall short of its target to process all recruits into boot camp by the end of the fiscal year, with a shortfall of about 5,000 sailors.

Vice Adm. Rick Cheeseman acknowledged that while the Navy has successfully signed initial contracts with a significant number of recruits, many will not start their 10-week boot camp training at Great Lakes, Illinois, until later. This delay in processing recruits is partly due to a surge in enlistments towards the end of the year.

The Navy has struggled to meet its recruiting targets for the past two years, impacting its ability to fully staff its warships. Currently, the Navy is short about 22,000 sailors, with a significant deficit in the lower ranks.

Cheeseman emphasized that despite these challenges, the Navy is working to ensure its ships remain operational and capable of their missions. The military has faced difficulties attracting recruits amid a competitive job market where private companies offer higher wages and benefits.

In response to recruiting challenges, the Navy has implemented several changes, including accepting recruits with lower test scores and those without high school diplomas. This approach has expanded the pool of potential recruits but also raised concerns about discipline and performance.

This year, about 17% of Navy recruits are category 4—those with lower Armed Services Qualification Test scores. Although this is higher than the military norm, the Navy has adjusted its standards, recently ceasing to accept those with scores between 10 and 20.

Additionally, the Navy has introduced a Future Sailor Preparatory Course, modeled after a successful Army program. This course offers academic and physical training to prepare recruits who may struggle with initial tests, and has already seen participation from about 2,900 sailors.

Despite the current delays, Cheeseman is optimistic about the Navy’s future recruitment efforts and believes that increased staffing and improved programs will enable the service to meet its targets in the coming year.