The U.S. Coast Guard enlisted 5,445 active-duty members during fiscal year 2026, its largest class in nearly four decades. The service exceeded its recruiting goals for the third consecutive year as it works to expand its workforce under the Force Design modernization initiative. It also commissioned 346 active-duty officers, the second-highest total in its history.
Recruiting efforts expanded during the year with new offices in Florida, New York, Texas and the Netherlands. The Coast Guard is also modernizing its basic training infrastructure to support a larger force and growing mission demands.
| 1) | Record enlistment total marks a major milestone |
| 2) | Officer commissioning remains historically strong |
| 3) | Recruiting offices broaden the service’s reach |
| 4) | Training infrastructure prepares for expansion |
| 5) | Force Design sets the broader workforce objective |
Record enlistment total marks a major milestone
The Coast Guard enlisted 5,445 active-duty members in fiscal year 2026, which ended after the service had surpassed its annual recruiting goal. The total was up from 5,204 enlistments in fiscal year 2025 and 4,422 in fiscal year 2024.
The result represents the Coast Guard’s largest enlisted recruiting class in nearly 40 years. The gains come as the service seeks more personnel to support its missions and an expanding fleet.
Officer commissioning remains historically strong
Alongside the enlisted recruiting gains, the Coast Guard commissioned 346 active-duty officers during fiscal year 2026. The service said that was the second-highest officer commissioning total in its history.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the results demonstrated continuing interest in military service and praised the new members for joining the Coast Guard. He said the department would work to provide them with the tools, training and support needed to carry out their duties.
“These record-breaking recruitment numbers prove that the call to serve still resonates deeply across our country.”
Recruiting offices broaden the service’s reach
During fiscal year 2026, the Coast Guard opened four recruiting offices in Miami, Florida; Long Island, New York; Austin, Texas; and the Netherlands. The locations extend the service’s recruiting presence across the United States and overseas.
Vice Commandant Adm. Tom Allan attributed the results to Americans’ willingness to serve and said the new offices were part of broader efforts to build the workforce required for national missions.
“We surpassed our recruiting goals because Americans are ready and willing to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard, conducting exciting missions that deliver results our Nation needs.”
Training infrastructure prepares for expansion
The Coast Guard awarded a $400 million contract to modernize Training Center Cape May in New Jersey. The award is the largest shore construction contract in the service’s history.
Cape May is the Coast Guard’s sole basic training center for enlisted recruits. Modernizing the facility is intended to help the service train and support a growing number of new members as recruiting totals rise.
Force Design sets the broader workforce objective
The recruiting results are part of Force Design, a modernization initiative focused on preparing the Coast Guard for expanded responsibilities and changing operational demands. The initiative includes plans to increase the service’s military workforce by at least 15,000 members by the end of fiscal year 2028.
The additional personnel are intended to support an expanding fleet and the Coast Guard’s wider mission requirements. Allan said the recruitment momentum was about more than annual numbers and reflected the service’s effort to build the workforce needed to remain the world’s best Coast Guard.
| 1 | The Coast Guard enlisted 5,445 active-duty members in fiscal year 2026. |
|---|---|
| 2 | The service exceeded its recruiting goals for the third consecutive year. |
| 3 | It commissioned 346 active-duty officers, the second-highest total in its history. |
| 4 | A $400 million contract will modernize Training Center Cape May. |
| 5 | Force Design seeks to add at least 15,000 military members by fiscal year 2028. |
Summary
The Coast Guard’s fiscal year 2026 recruiting performance delivered its largest enlisted class in nearly 40 years and another year of results above target. Expanded recruiting offices, stronger officer commissioning and major investment at Cape May provide the personnel and training foundation for the service’s Force Design workforce expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many active-duty members did the Coast Guard enlist in fiscal year 2026?
The Coast Guard enlisted 5,445 active-duty members during fiscal year 2026.
How did the 2026 enlistment total compare with prior years?
The total increased from 5,204 enlistments in fiscal year 2025 and 4,422 in fiscal year 2024.
What is Force Design intended to achieve?
Force Design is intended to modernize the Coast Guard and expand its military workforce by at least 15,000 members by the end of fiscal year 2028.
Why is Training Center Cape May being modernized?
Cape May is the Coast Guard’s only basic training center for enlisted recruits, and the modernization is intended to accommodate the service’s expanding workforce.