The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, a substantial $900 billion piece of legislation, has officially become law after receiving approval from both Congress and President Donald Trump. This extensive bill incorporates a range of policies and provisions, notably continuing efforts to enhance service member recruitment, as detailed in a recent report.
The House voted in favor of the 3,086-page NDAA on December 10, with a tally of 312-112, receiving bipartisan support from 115 Democrats and 197 Republicans. The Senate followed suit a week later, passing the bill with a 77-20 vote. Senate Armed Services Committee Chair, Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), commended the bipartisan effort, noting that the legislation aims to “sustain and strengthen the national defense.”
This massive defense spending bill allocates resources affecting various departments such as Defense and Energy, healthcare, troop salaries, research and development, and immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. Some diversity initiatives previously labeled as “woke” by conservative lawmakers have been significantly reduced or removed.
Ukraine is among the beneficiaries of the NDAA, slated to receive over $400 million in aid over the next two years as it continues its conflict with Russia. Additionally, all U.S. servicemembers will enjoy a 3.8% pay raise. This week, Trump and the Pentagon also unveiled special one-time “Warrior Dividend” payments of $1,776 to troops, with similar payments being mirrored by the U.S. Coast Guard, as detailed in this announcement.
Boosting Recruitment
The NDAA places significant emphasis on progressing service member recruitment, an area that has seen notable increases during the first 11 months of Trump’s second term.
Key recruitment-related provisions of the NDAA include:
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Enhancing recruiter access in high schools.
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Expanding opportunities for students to join the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) and allowing transfers if a program is unavailable at their school.
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Designating JROTC as part of the military, enabling direct outreach by military recruiters to JROTC members, a shift from its previous status as a civilian program.
SERVE Act
These recruitment provisions were originally part of the Service Enlistment and Recruitment of Valuable Engagement (SERVE) Act, aimed at enhancing military recruitment by highlighting service benefits and increasing access for high school students.
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a combat veteran, introduced the SERVE Act in April. House Representatives Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), and Lance Gooden (R-TX) championed the bipartisan initiative in the House.
“Wearing the uniform set me on course for a life of service, and I want to ensure that all young Americans have the opportunity to learn of the benefits of joining our military,” Ernst shared with Military.com. “I am thrilled to see my SERVE Act becoming law as part of the NDAA.”
In April, Kiggans emphasized that American youth lack exposure to the diverse opportunities available within the military, stating, “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.”
Strong Numbers in 2025
Military recruitment numbers, which had dropped in 2022 and 2023 under the Biden administration, have rebounded significantly this year.
“My legislation will turbocharge recruitment and ensure that the incredible recruiting resurgence happening under Donald Trump becomes permanent.”
Recruitment figures for the Coast Guard reached record levels, with the organization achieving its highest numbers since 1991. The Coast Guard reported exceeding its fiscal year goals with 5,204 active-duty enlisted service members, surpassing the target of 4,300.
In June, the Army announced meeting its recruitment target with four months left in Fiscal Year 2025, a remarkable turnaround attributed to factors including the COVID-19 pandemic and a shortage of fit or willing young recruits. The Future Soldier Preparatory Course, which assists recruits in meeting academic and physical standards, also played a role in the uptick.
The Navy similarly met its recruiting goals ahead of schedule, poised to send over 40,600 future sailors to Recruit Training Command by September. In 2024, the Navy exceeded its recruitment goal of 40,600 by 378 members.
