UMVA has learned that the United States Army has achieved a major milestone by reaching its recruiting goals for 2026 a full four months early, a significant accomplishment announced by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth during a commencement speech at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.
The Army's recruiting success is a notable achievement, with 61,500 new soldiers set to join the ranks, a number that will grow even further as the Army expands its size. This accomplishment comes on the heels of a record year in 2025, when the Army set a goal of 61,000 recruits but exceeded it with 62,050.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the men and women who have chosen to serve are demonstrating a strong commitment to something larger than themselves. Command Sgt. Maj. Danny Basham, United States Army Recruiting Division command sergeant major, praised their dedication, saying that the nation depends on their strength, character, and commitment.
During his speech, Hegseth took a strong stance against previous military policies that emphasized diversity goals and "anti-American ideologies." He criticized the "DEI craze" and the introduction of diversity and inclusion studies, stating that West Point is above politics and that success there is based on merit.
Hegseth was particularly critical of the phrase "our diversity is our strength," calling it "the single dumbest phrase in military history." He argued that diversity is not a strength, but rather unity is, and that these ideas can be detrimental in military contexts.
The Secretary of War went on to praise the graduating cadets, describing a dangerous world that they will soon confront. He emphasized that the Army trains warriors who are prepared to face high-intensity conflict and to put their lives on the line to protect American interests.
Hegseth's speech also touched on the importance of faith, reading a verse from Isaiah 6:8 and invoking Charlie Kirk's advice to "seek God in every circumstance." He encouraged the cadets to remain steadfast in their commitment to their country and to their values.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Hegseth's speech comes at a critical time, with the U.S. considering resuming military actions against Iran as a peace deal hangs in the balance. The Secretary of War highlighted the Army's recent deployments to the Middle East, where they have worked to protect American bases and lives from Iranian proxies.
The situation is complex, with President Donald Trump set to hold a conference call with Arab leaders to discuss a draft agreement with Iran. The President has expressed uncertainty about the potential deal, saying he is "solid 50/50" on whether it will be a "good" deal or not.
