The U.S. Coast Guard added its biggest enlisted class in nearly 40 years during fiscal year 2026, exceeding its recruiting targets for the third straight year as it moves to strengthen its workforce.
A total of 5,445 active-duty members enlisted in fiscal year 2026, according to the Coast Guard. That figure rose from 5,204 in 2025 and 4,422 in 2024.
The service also commissioned 346 active-duty officers, making it the second-largest officer class in Coast Guard history.
“These record-breaking recruitment numbers prove that the call to serve still resonates deeply across our country,” Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said in a statement.
The U.S. Coast Guard enlisted 5,445 active-duty recruits in fiscal year 2026, its largest recruiting class in nearly four decades. (U.S. Coast Guard)
“I am incredibly proud to stand beside these new Coast Guard men and women who have stepped up to defend our Homeland,” he said. “They represent the very best of who we are, and we are going to make sure they have the tools, the training, and the support to get the job done.”
To support its recruiting push, the Coast Guard opened four new offices during fiscal year 2026. The locations are Miami, Florida; Long Island, New York; Austin, Texas; and the Netherlands.
Coast Guard Vice Commandant Adm. Tom Allan said the results point to rising interest in military service.
The U.S. Coast Guard exceeded its recruiting goals for the third consecutive year in fiscal year 2026. (U.S. Coast Guard)
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“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,” Allan said.
“This momentum is about more than numbers; it is about being the world’s best Coast Guard and building the workforce America needs,” he added. “We are proud to welcome our newest members and grateful to our recruiters for continuing to deliver exceptional results.”
Alongside its recruiting campaign, the Coast Guard is upgrading its facilities to train and support a larger workforce.
The service awarded a $400 million contract to modernize Training Center Cape May in New Jersey. The project represents the largest shore construction award in Coast Guard history.
The U.S. Coast Guard reported 5,445 active-duty enlistments and 346 newly commissioned active-duty officers during fiscal year 2026. (U.S. Coast Guard)
Training Center Cape May is the Coast Guard’s only basic training facility for enlisted recruits. The planned improvements are designed to help the center accommodate the service’s expanding ranks.
The recruiting increase comes as the Coast Guard advances a broader modernization effort called Force Design.
The U.S. Coast Guard is expanding its workforce while pursuing Force Design, a wide-ranging modernization initiative. (U.S. Coast Guard)
One of Force Design’s objectives is to add at least 15,000 members to the Coast Guard’s military workforce by the end of fiscal year 2028. The expansion is intended to support a growing fleet and increasing mission demands.