DEI Out, WARRIOR Ethos In?
U.S. military enlistment is surging beyond expectations in 2025, driven by a Trump-era strategy that ditches DEI for discipline—and it’s transforming defense morale nationwide.
At a Glance
Military enlistment exceeded targets under Trump, with the Army reaching 115% of its goal by February 2025.
Recruitment strategy emphasized merit, readiness, and a return to traditional military values.
Trump’s shift away from DEI initiatives aligned with a morale rebound among recruits.
Holistic Health and Fitness reforms improved retention and overall force readiness.
Military leaders and veterans credit the resurgence to a renewed warrior ethos and national pride.
Reviving Recruitment: Trump’s Strategy
Military enlistment in the United States has surged in 2025, exceeding targets by double digits across several branches. At the center of this unexpected boom is former President Donald Trump, whose administration steered recruitment messaging away from social initiatives and back toward “warrior culture” values like strength, merit, and honor.
The Army in particular saw a dramatic rebound, surpassing 115% of its enlistment target by February. Analysts credit the administration’s clarity of mission and focus on traditional defense principles. As Admiral James Kilby noted, “We are on pace to exceed recruiting goals in 2025.”
Watch a report: Trump’s military boom reshapes enlistment outlook.
Challenges and Changes Under Previous Leadership
The previous administration’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) was widely criticized by conservative veterans and commentators as alienating to traditional military families. A YouGov survey found DEI rhetoric to be a deterrent to potential recruits, and veteran approval of Pentagon leadership dropped from 88% to 53% between 2020 and 2024.
Christine Wormuth, Secretary of the Army, confirmed the shift: “The first quarter contracts that we have signed are the highest rate in the last 10 years. We are going like gangbusters, which is terrific.” Meanwhile, critics argued that Trump’s unapologetic push for discipline over political messaging was key to the morale revival.
The Warrior Ethos and Holistic Reform
One of the most praised components of the Trump-era reforms was the enhancement of the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness program. This initiative, which expanded physical fitness training and mental health resources, led to improved readiness, fewer injuries, and lower substance abuse rates.
Veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer echoed the shift in tone, saying, “You don’t stop serving just because the uniform comes off. This is about leading from the front.” Programs like these have not only elevated retention rates but also encouraged prior service members to reenlist or volunteer as mentors.
Whether the boost is sustainable or cyclical remains to be seen. But for now, the numbers speak for themselves: traditional values, merit-based advancement, and clear mission focus appear to be winning the hearts of a new generation of American warriors.