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Space Force Surpasses Recruitment Goal Amid Urgent Expansion Needs

2/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Space Force exceeded its fiscal 2026 recruiting goal by 25% in five months.
Officials warn the current force is too small to meet national security demands.
During a congressional hearing, Space Force leaders said the service must double in size to handle expanding missions and infrastructure.
Gen. Shawn Bratton, Vice Chief of Space Operations, said the military must recruit about 1,000 personnel annually for the next decade.

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Story summary

The U.S. Space Force exceeded its fiscal 2026 recruiting goal by 25% in five months.
Officials warn the current force is too small to meet national security demands.
During a congressional hearing, Space Force leaders said the service must double in size to handle expanding missions and infrastructure.
Gen. Shawn Bratton, Vice Chief of Space Operations, said the military must recruit about 1,000 personnel annually for the next decade.