Ernst Works to Expand Military Recruitment

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a combat veteran, introduced the Service Enlistment and Recruitment of Valuable Engagement (SERVE) Act to enhance military recruitment by promoting the benefits of service and expanding access for high school students. Representatives Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), and Lance Gooden (R-Texas) are leading this bipartisan effort in the House of Representatives.

After reports that Army recruitment is making historic gains this year, the legislators are working to build on that progress and keep numbers up across the service branches.

“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 committed to service,” said Senator Joni Ernst, a combat veteran who served in the military for 23 years. “By increasing avenues to the benefits and pathways of a career in the military, we can unlock even more opportunities and brighter futures for our next generation. The call to service is loud and clear, and through the SERVE Act, our nation can bolster recruitment efforts and build the most lethal, efficient, and effective force in the world.”

"America's military is only as strong as the young men and women who step forward to serve,” said Rep. Kiggans. “Right now, many students aren't being provided information about the amazing opportunities and experiences military service can offer. The SERVE Act is about turning that around by reconnecting our youth with a powerful call to service and opening doors to leadership, education, and purpose. This bipartisan, bicameral bill sends a clear message that we believe in our next generation, and we're ready to invest in their future and the future security of our nation.”

"As someone who has proudly served in uniform, I understand the transformative power of military service. The SERVE Act will ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to learn about the benefits and responsibilities of serving our nation. By enhancing access to military recruiters and expanding programs like JROTC, we're not only strengthening our armed forces but also investing in the leadership potential of our youth. This bipartisan effort reflects our commitment to national security and to providing young Americans with pathways to personal and professional growth," said Rep. Houlahan.

“The SERVE Act restores a culture of service and ensures that every young American can understand the benefits of military life. By giving recruiters meaningful access to our schools, we strengthen national security and give students a shot at purpose, higher education, and a future filled with opportunity,” said Rep. Gooden.

Specifically, the SERVE Act:

• Increases recruiter access in high schools,
• Expands opportunities for students to get involved in JROTC even if they don’t have a program housed at their high school,
• Incentivizes schools by designating those with military enlistment rates above the state average as “HERO schools,”
• Supports pathways towards a military career by prioritizing graduates from high-enlistment schools for service academies, and
• Creates a “National Week of Military Recruitment” to further promote and engage on the benefits of military service.

Background:

Ernst has worked to support our military men and women receive the benefits they have earned, including by exposing that the Biden administration’s student loan “cancellation” undermined G.I. benefits earned from service, holding the VA accountable for misusing taxpayer dollars, stopping Big Tech from shadow banning military recruitment content, and ensuring junior servicemembers receive proportional pay raises to strengthen our nation’s fighting force.

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