The Army announced it surpassed its fiscal 2024 recruiting goal after years of failing to reach the thresholds set for itself.

The Army met its 55,000 recruit goal in fiscal year 2024 with recruits who were older and others who needed extra academic and fitness help.

The Army says it has hit recruiting goals for this year following a military wide slump, a sign the service may be overcoming the struggle to build up its ranks as it seeks a commanding presence in the Pacific to counter China.

The Army has surpassed its 55,000 recruit goal for the fiscal year 2024 marking the first time in two years, MilitaryTimes reported Thursday. The transformation of the Army’s recruiting efforts —including adding dedicated enlisted and warrant officer job positions,

The service recruited 55,300 new soldiers in fiscal 2024, meeting its recruitment target, after it hoped to bring 60,000 recruits in 2022 and 65,000 in 2023.