Coast Guard Achieves Largest Enlisted Class in Nearly Four Decades

The U.S. Coast Guard has successfully recruited its largest enlisted class in almost 40 years, exceeding its recruiting targets for the third year in a row during fiscal year 2026. The service enlisted 5,445 active-duty members, an increase from 5,204 in fiscal year 2025 and 4,422 in fiscal year 2024.

In addition to enlisted personnel, the Coast Guard commissioned 346 active-duty officers, marking the second-highest total in its history. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated in a press release that these record numbers demonstrate the enduring appeal of service. "I am incredibly proud to stand beside these new Coast Guard men and women who have stepped up to defend our Homeland," Mullin 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 these recruitment efforts, the Coast Guard expanded its reach by opening four new recruiting offices in Miami, Florida; Long Island, New York; Austin, Texas; and the Netherlands.

Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard, Adm. Tom Allan, attributed the success to a growing interest in service. "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. We are proud to welcome our newest members and grateful to our recruiters for continuing to deliver exceptional results."

The service is also undertaking significant infrastructure improvements to support its growing workforce. A $400 million contract was awarded to modernize Training Center Cape May in New Jersey, representing the largest shore construction award in the Coast Guard's history. This facility is the sole basic training center for enlisted recruits, and these upgrades are designed to accommodate the expanding ranks.

These recruitment achievements align with the Coast Guard's modernization initiative, Force Design, which aims to increase the service's military workforce by at least 15,000 members by the end of fiscal year 2028. This expansion is intended to bolster support for an expanding fleet and growing mission demands.