Coast Guard Enlists Largest Class in Nearly Four Decades, Exceeds Goals Third Straight Year

The U.S. Coast Guard enlisted 5,445 active-duty members in fiscal year 2026, which ended Sept. 30, marking its largest enlisted class in nearly four decades and its third consecutive year of exceeding recruiting goals.

The total rose from 5,204 in fiscal 2025 and 4,422 in fiscal 2024. The service also commissioned 346 active-duty officers, the second-highest number in its recorded history. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the results show “the call to serve still resonates deeply across our country.” Coast Guard Vice Commandant Adm. Tom Allan credited recruiters and American willingness to serve.

The gains follow expanded recruiting offices in Miami, Long Island, Austin, and the Netherlands, plus record funding under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. That measure provided nearly $25 billion for Coast Guard modernization, including new cutters, icebreakers, helicopters, and aircraft. Officials have linked the personnel increases to Force Design 2028 goals of growing the force and restoring full operations at stations previously reduced by staffing shortfalls.

The Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security and supports maritime security, interdiction, search and rescue, and other missions. Recruiting success has already enabled plans to return six stations to full operations. Leaders said additional capacity will follow as the larger classes complete training.

The fiscal 2026 results continue a recovery after earlier years of shortfalls. The service has opened more recruiting locations and adjusted outreach while maintaining standards.