The Pentagon has announced significant milestones in military recruitment and technology advancements, particularly highlighting a surge in female enlistments. All branches of the U.S. military have exceeded their recruitment goals for fiscal year 2025, with nearly 24,000 women joining the ranks as of now. This figure represents a marked increase from approximately 16,700 female recruits at the same time last year. Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson attributed this trend to strong leadership from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald J. Trump, stating, “Citizens all across the country are enlisting to fight for this nation.”
Advancements in Military Technology
In addition to recruitment successes, the Pentagon is intensifying its focus on autonomous warfare technology. At Camp Atterbury in Indiana, the department recently hosted a “technology readiness experimentation” event, known as T-REX, which tested various drone systems in simulated combat scenarios. Among the technologies showcased were the Red Dragon, engineered 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, remarked on the significance of these developments, stating, “This is some of the most innovative tech we’ve ever built at the DOD.” He emphasized that most of the showcased systems have been developed within the last two years, reflecting a rapid evolution in military capabilities.
National Guard Deployment in Washington, D.C.
The National Guard has also been mobilized in response to rising crime rates in Washington, D.C., following President Trump’s declaration of a crime emergency. Approximately 800 Army and Air National Guard personnel have been activated, with around 200 deployed on the streets at any given time. Their responsibilities include community patrols, monument security, traffic control, and the protection of federal facilities. Wilson noted that this mission aligns with the administration’s commitment to restoring safety and order in the capital.
In a lighter moment, the Marine Corps celebrated one of its most recognizable figures, Cpl. Chesty XVI, the Corps’ English bulldog mascot. The bulldog received a medal for exemplary conduct from the Secretary of the Navy, further highlighting the Marine Corps’ traditions and spirit. Named after the legendary Marine Lt. Gen. Lewis “Chesty” Puller, Cpl. Chesty XVI embodies the grit and history of the Corps.
From record recruitment figures to cutting-edge military technology and public safety initiatives, these updates illustrate the Pentagon’s ongoing focus on readiness, modernization, and boosting morale within the armed forces.
