The Navy missed all its recruitment goals for fiscal year 2023, as Military.com and Navy Times reported. It fell short by more than 7,000 new active duty sailors and also missed its officer and reserve goals. Service leaders had said for months they expected to come up short of the targets.

The Navy tried new initiatives such as record-high signing bonuses and courses to help potential recruits who did not initially meet the physical or academic standards to enlist. Some of those programs will continue into the current fiscal year, as the Navy looks for more ways to reach qualified individuals, according to a Navy statement.

“Outreach and engagement opportunities will increase awareness about the Navy, its people and mission, while Navy recruiters and sailors across the fleet will continue to connect with qualified future sailors who desire to join the Navy and are motivated to serve in defense of the nation.”

The Army and Air Force also missed their fiscal year 2023 targets as anticipated.

Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Olympia O. Martin