Canada’s armed forces are experiencing a remarkable surge in recruitment, exceeding their 2024-2025 target by a significant margin. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) welcomed a staggering 6,706 new regular force members, representing a massive 55 percent increase compared to the previous year’s intake. This surpasses their ambitious goal of 6,496 new recruits.

This impressive growth marks a significant turnaround from the 4,313 recruits in 2023-2024 and the 3,927 in 2022-2023. The Department of National Defence attributes this success to various initiatives and a renewed national interest in military service. The net increase, accounting for personnel leaving the forces, is approximately 2,000 new members from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025.

As of April 30th, the CAF boasts a strong force of 65,154 regular force members and 23,561 primary reserve members. With ambitious long-term plans, the CAF aims to reach 71,500 regular force members and 30,000 primary reserve members by 2032. This substantial growth signifies a strengthened Canadian military presence, capable of meeting evolving national security needs.