(NewsNation) — 250 Army troops took their Oath of Enlistment from the commander-in-chief Saturday at the close of a parade in Washington, D.C., that honored the military branch on its 250th anniversary.
President Trump administered the oath to the new and reenlisting soldiers and congratulated them.
“Welcome to the United States Army and have a great life. Thank you very much,” he told the service members.
This weekend’s Army showcase and notable oath-swearing comes as the military branch is reporting record-breaking recruitment numbers. Officials recently said December 2024 was the Army’s best December in 15 years, with nearly 350 soldiers enlisted every day that month.
Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll credits the Trump administration’s renewed focus on “warrior culture.” He told NewsNation last month the Army reached its annual recruitment goal just six months into the fiscal year.
“Time and again,” Trump said at the close of Saturday’s Army semiquincentennial, “America’s enemies have learned that if you threaten the American people our soldiers are coming for you. Your defeat will be certain, your demise will be final, and your downfall will be total and complete.”