Defense Department meets recruiting goals

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- U.S. Defense Department officials say all military branches met their recruiting goals in November despite the continuing unpopularity of the war in Iraq.

Officials say the recruiting successes in November make it the sixth month in a row that all services made their recruiting goals, the American Forces Press Service reported.

Many critics have argued that young American men and women in the targeted age group are growing wary of military service, largely because of the Iraq war. Adding to this defense officials say with a good American economy and the fact that only three out of every 10 young people actually qualify for service, the recruitment effort is difficult.

Despite the odds, the military's recruiting successes over the last six months could be attributed to what military officials say is an opportunity for young people to take a stand against terrorism. Other recruiting officials attribute the success to enhanced bonuses.

"This is a result of hard work by more than 8,000 recruiters nationwide," Army Recruiting Command spokesman Douglas Smith said in a statement. "It is a difficult recruiting environment, but we have a great benefits package for young men and women, and we are making the best use we can of the service bonus programs."

The Defense Department reported that the Marine Corps exceeded its recruitment targets bringing in 2,444 recruits or 108 percent over their goal. The Army also surpassed its goal at 101 percent.

The Navy made reported figures reaching 100 percent and the Air Force met its goal of 1,836 recruits. The Air National Guard and Army National Guard exceeded their targets as well.