The Pentagon has announced that all branches of the U.S. military have exceeded their recruitment goals for fiscal year 2025, with a marked increase in female enlistments. So far this year, nearly 24,000 women have joined the military, compared to approximately 16,700 during the same period last year. This surge highlights a growing trend in female participation, a development credited to strong leadership under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald J. Trump. Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson remarked, “Citizens all across the country are enlisting to fight for this nation.”
Advancements in Military Technology
In conjunction with increased recruitment, the Defense Department is intensifying its focus on autonomous warfare technology. At Camp Atterbury in Indiana, the Pentagon hosted a “technology readiness experimentation” event, known as T-REX, which involved testing drones under simulated combat conditions. The evaluations featured systems such as the Red Dragon, designed for operations in GPS-denied environments, the Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System, and the WASP/HIVE launcher system, capable of deploying multiple low-cost drones.
Emil Michael, Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, emphasized the importance of these technological advancements in maintaining American superiority in drone warfare. “This is some of the most innovative tech we’ve ever built at the DOD,” he stated, pointing out that most systems showcased were developed within the last two years.
National Guard’s Role in Washington, D.C.
In response to rising crime rates in the nation’s capital, the National Guard has been activated to assist law enforcement in Washington, D.C.. Following President Trump’s declaration of a crime emergency, approximately 800 Army and Air National Guard personnel have been deployed, with about 200 active on the streets at any given time. Their responsibilities range from community patrols and monument security to traffic control and the protection of federal facilities.
Wilson noted that this mission reflects the president’s commitment to restoring safety and order in a city grappling with public safety concerns.
In a lighter moment during the week, the Marine Corps recognized one of its most beloved figures, Cpl. Chesty XVI, the English bulldog mascot. The bulldog received a medal for exemplary conduct from the Secretary of the Navy. Named after the legendary Marine Lt. Gen. Lewis “Chesty” Puller, Chesty XVI has become a symbol of grit and tradition within the Corps.
The week’s updates from the Pentagon emphasize a multifaceted approach to military readiness, modernization, and morale, showcasing significant advancements in both recruitment and technology while addressing pressing public safety issues. These developments illustrate the ongoing evolution of the U.S. military in meeting contemporary challenges.