The U.S. Army recently unveiled a new recruitment advertisement that signals a return to a more traditional, no-nonsense approach to military service.

The ad features a tattooed Special Forces fitness trainer performing impressive feats of strength in the gym, including deadlifting a hefty 500 pounds.

The intense display of physical prowess concludes with the trainer stating, “Stronger people are harder to kill.”

This bold, action-packed portrayal contrasts sharply with the previous ad released under the Biden administration, drawing sharp comparisons online.

The 2021 Army Ad: A Soft Approach That Drew Criticism

In stark contrast to the current ad, the Army’s 2021 recruitment video, called “Emma,” told the story of Army officer Emma Malonelord, who operates the Patriot Missile Defense System.

The ad focused on her childhood, which was raised by two mothers.

Emma described how she was inspired by watching one of her mothers learn to walk again after an accident.

The ad was met with significant backlash, with many viewers criticizing it as “woke” and out of touch with military values.

Critics, including Texas Senator Ted Cruz, slammed the video, with Cruz calling it an example of a “woke, emasculated military.”

The ad, despite its attempts at inclusivity, became one of the most disliked military recruitment videos in history.

Backlash and Changes to Army’s Approach to Recruitment

As backlash mounted, the Army responded by disabling comments on the YouTube video, citing policy violations and safety concerns.

The ad had accumulated more than 36,000 dislikes and just 775 likes, prompting the Army to restrict comments.

This incident highlights a clear divide between the military’s approach to recruitment under the Biden administration and the shift that began to take place with the Trump administration’s return to power.

Surge in Army Recruitment Under Trump’s Leadership

Recruitment numbers for the U.S. Army have surged to their highest levels in over a decade following Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

In December 2024 alone, the Army recruited an average of 346 soldiers per day, adding approximately 10,700 new recruits that month.

The trend continued into January 2025, when recruitment numbers reached a 15-year high.

Army officials reported that they are on track to exceed their recruitment goal for fiscal year 2025, with 59 percent of the target already met.

Changing Military Leadership Under Trump’s Direction

Under Trump’s leadership, new policies and changes at the Pentagon have had a direct impact on recruitment.

Trump’s newly appointed Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, a former Army veteran and Fox News personality, has been praised for his commitment to revitalizing the armed forces.

His leadership has been seen as a driving force behind the surge in recruitment.

Hegseth and others have emphasized the importance of merit and discipline within the military, signaling a rejection of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices that Trump believes have undermined military effectiveness.

The Reversal of Biden-Era Policies and Their Impact

Trump’s reinstatement of soldiers discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine and his order to end DEI practices in the military have also played a role in boosting recruitment.

Many young Americans, inspired by the idea of serving under strong leadership, have enlisted in large numbers.

According to the White House, this surge in recruitment is a positive step toward ensuring that the U.S. military remains fully staffed and capable of responding to national security threats.

The Path Forward for Military Recruitment

As the Trump administration looks to continue increasing military recruitment, officials are optimistic about future numbers.

With the reinstatement of soldiers previously discharged due to vaccine refusal and a renewed focus on traditional military values, recruitment is expected to remain strong.

The Army’s ability to attract new recruits, particularly young people eager to serve under strong leadership, is seen as essential for maintaining the strength and readiness of the U.S. military.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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