Recruitment Soars and the Border Is Sealed Under New DoD Leadership

America’s military is back, and it’s stronger than ever. In just 100 days, the Department of Defense has delivered a masterclass in restoring national strength, securing the homeland, and reasserting global dominance. Under new leadership, the Pentagon has shattered recruiting records, locked down the southwest border, and purged divisive policies that weakened our fighting force. This is no mere course correction; it’s a bold reclamation of the warrior ethos that made America the world’s unrivaled superpower.

For too long, the military languished under priorities that diluted its purpose. Resources were squandered on social experiments while recruitment faltered and border security crumbled. The Biden administration’s focus on diversity training and climate initiatives left our troops overstretched and our nation vulnerable. Now, the DoD has flipped the script, proving that a military centered on merit, lethality, and homeland defense can achieve historic results in record time.

The numbers tell the story. Since November 2024, the military has posted its highest recruiting success in three decades, with the Army alone nearing 73% of its annual target in just five months. Meanwhile, border crossings have plummeted 99.99%, thanks to 11,900 troops deployed to the southwest frontier. These aren’t just statistics; they’re a signal to the world that America is done playing games.

The southwest border, once a porous sieve for illegal crossings, is now a fortress. The DoD’s deployment of nearly 12,000 troops, backed by naval destroyers, helicopters, and advanced surveillance, has crushed the chaos that defined the previous administration’s tenure. Joint operations with Customs and Border Protection have slashed crossings to near zero, a staggering reversal from the Biden era’s open-border debacle.

Consider the scope: 170 mobile surveillance sites, 260 helicopter flights, and 190 airborne intelligence sorties have transformed the border into a no-go zone for lawbreakers. U.S. Marines have fortified 16 miles of barriers, while the New Mexico National Defense Area empowers troops to detain criminal migrants for prosecution. In one striking example, the USS Stockdale intercepted nine migrants in the Pacific, proving the Navy’s reach extends to every frontier.

Critics, like those in the former administration’s orbit, argue this militarization oversteps the military’s role, citing the Posse Comitatus Act. But their hand-wringing ignores reality: border security is national security. When illegal crossings fuel crime, strain communities, and threaten sovereignty, deploying troops isn’t just justified; it’s essential. The Pentagon’s actions have restored order, proving that strength, not appeasement, solves crises.

The DoD’s boldest move may be its eradication of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. These programs, cloaked in noble rhetoric, sowed division and distracted from the military’s core mission. By creating the 'Restore America’s Fighting Force' Task Force, the Pentagon has replaced identity politics with a color-blind, merit-based standard that rewards skill and dedication.

Fort Bragg and Fort Benning, stripped of their historic names under Biden’s cultural purge, are restored to honor true heroes. DEI jobs are gone, and resources once wasted on cultural awareness events are now fueling lethality. Advocates of these initiatives, like former Pentagon officials, claim they boosted morale and recruitment. Yet, their policies coincided with a recruitment crisis, with only 23% of youth meeting enlistment standards and 25% of new recruits needing remedial training.

The evidence is clear: DEI didn’t strengthen the military; it weakened it. By refocusing on physical fitness, combat readiness, and grooming standards, the DoD is rebuilding a force that prioritizes winning wars over checking boxes. This isn’t exclusion; it’s a return to the principles that made our military the envy of the world.

Beyond the homeland, the DoD is sharpening its focus on existential threats. The Indo-Pacific, where China’s aggression looms large, is now the Pentagon’s top priority. Bilateral agreements with the Philippines and upgrades to U.S. Forces Japan signal a muscular commitment to deterrence. Meanwhile, Operation Rough Rider in Yemen has decimated Houthi capabilities, restoring freedom of navigation with over 1,000 strikes.

The Panama Canal, once slipping into Beijing’s orbit, is back under American influence, with U.S. military presence reestablished. In Europe, the DoD has wisely shifted burdens to allies, prompting Britain’s largest defense spending hike since the Cold War. These moves reflect a strategic pivot: America will lead, but it won’t babysit nations capable of defending themselves.

Some, particularly Biden-era diplomats, lament this transactional approach, arguing it alienates allies. But their vision of endless U.S. commitments drained our resources and emboldened adversaries. By prioritizing China, securing critical waterways, and demanding ally accountability, the DoD is forging a leaner, meaner global presence that puts American interests first.

The DoD’s vision extends beyond immediate wins. The award of the NGAD F-47 contract for the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft ensures air superiority for decades. The Golden Dome missile defense plan, submitted to the President, promises to shield America from emerging threats. And by welcoming back service members discharged over COVID-19 vaccine refusals, the Pentagon is righting a grave injustice while bolstering ranks.

Efficiency is also key. The DoD’s DOGE efforts uncovered $6 billion in savings and redirected $50 billion from wasteful initiatives to combat readiness. Canceling contracts for climate consultants and COVID-19 equipment proves the Pentagon is done with distractions. These funds now fuel real priorities: ships, planes, and troops ready to fight and win.

The DoD’s first 100 days are a blueprint for America’s resurgence. By securing the border, dismantling divisive policies, and refocusing on warfighting, the Pentagon has restored faith in our military’s purpose. Recruitment is soaring, adversaries are on notice, and allies are stepping up. This is what happens when leadership prioritizes strength over sentiment.

The path forward demands vigilance. Threats from China, Iran, and beyond require a military unburdened by bureaucracy or ideology. Americans, weary of porous borders and a weakened defense, now see a Pentagon that delivers results. The message is unmistakable: America is back, and its military is ready to lead the charge.