Ernst Builds Upon Trump Recruitment Success in Annual Defense Bill

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a combat veteran, secured meaningful provisions in in the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to build upon the historic military recruiting success happening under President Trump.

“For me, choosing to serve our country opened the door for the American Dream, allowed me to afford college, and paved the way for a life of service,” said Ernst. “After years of slumping numbers under Biden, we have seen a resurgence under President Trump, but we cannot allow this to be a temporary victory. While patriotism plays an undeniable role in recruiting, boosting outreach efforts to young people and sharing the benefits of service will ensure that the momentum we have seen under President Trump continues, so our armed forces remain the most lethal fighting force the world has ever seen.”

The provisions secured in the NDAA come directly from Ernst’s SERVE Act to:

• Increase military recruiter access in high schools, so students can know the benefits of service;
• Expand opportunities for students to get involved in Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC);
• Designate JROTC as a part of the military; and

• Create a “National Week of Military Recruitment” to further promote the benefits of service.

Background: 

After missing key recruiting goals under President Biden, there has been a dramatic turnaround under President Trump. The Army hit its recruiting goal four months early, the Navy hit its goal three months early, and the Air Force and Space Force also exceeded annual recruiting goals three months early.

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