The U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force have surpassed their recruiting goals with months remaining in the fiscal year, according to Brig. Gen. Jeff Nelson, who oversees recruitment for both branches.

Nelson, head of the Air Force Recruiting Service, said enlistment numbers have exceeded projections rather than declining amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran. He noted that current events may be motivating more young Americans to pursue military service.

Approximately 32,000 individuals have joined the two services over the past seven months. Since the fiscal year began on Oct. 1, about 25,000 recruits have entered basic training at Joint Base San Antonio, with an additional 7,000 expected before the end of the year.

The increase represents a turnaround from 2023, when the Air Force fell short of its recruiting goal for the first time in more than 20 years, missing its target by roughly 2,700 enlistees. The Space Force, established in 2019, has consistently met its recruiting benchmarks.

Nelson attributed the improvement in part to the efforts of recruiters and policy adjustments made in 2023 that expanded eligibility. Updated standards increased allowable body fat limits to 26% for men and 36% for women, broadening the pool of potential applicants.

He said only a small percentage of recruits accepted under the revised standards have encountered issues during training.

Nelson made the remarks during a visit to U.S. military installations in Japan, including Yokota Air Base and Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, where he met with recruiting personnel. He also noted that outreach efforts among Americans living abroad have contributed to the rise in enlistments.

Interest in the Space Force remains particularly strong among applicants with technical backgrounds, including those specializing in cyber operations and intelligence, reflecting the branch’s focus on emerging domains of warfare.