The Navy is anticipating missing its recruiting goals for fiscal 2023 by roughly 7,000 sailors, though it's better than a previous prediction, according to the acting service chief.
Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the acting chief of naval operations, told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday that the Navy "started out the year thinking we'd be about 13,000 short," but instead, "we're going to be about 7,000 short. We’re doing better month by month than we were last year."
ROMNEY ACKNOWLEDGES PITCHING MANCHIN ON STARTING THIRD PARTY AHEAD OF 2024
"We really do need to get our people out and about to have a conversation with America, about everything that the Navy can offer them and focusing on our mission, our enduring mission of sea control, power projection, deterrence," she added during her confirmation hearing to serve as the chief of naval operations. "I think that excites people about what we do and will be able to bring people not only into the Navy but into our defense industrial base, where we also need capability to maintain and deliver our submarines. We've got lots of opportunities to get out there into the high schools and middle schools even with STEM programs."
Most of the service branches are struggling with a difficult recruiting climate, which includes a larger percentage of the military's target demographic that is not eligible to serve without a waiver, low civilian unemployment, and an increasing unfamiliarity with the military from those who don't serve. Many branches have changed rules and increased incentives to enlist and have offered additional resources to those who don't perform overly well on various aptitude or physical exams.
“I would like to make the point that the Navy has not lowered any of our standards,” Franchetti added. “We are using every available lever to us that’s authorized to be able to expand the pool of people that we’re bringing in.”
Franchetti is not expected to be confirmed in the immediate future due to one senator who was a part of the hearing. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has held up more than 300 military nominations and confirmations due to his opposition to the department's policy to reimburse service members or dependents for any travel expenses incurred should they have to travel out of state for an abortion or other uncovered reproductive healthcare.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
While the Department of Justice has determined the policy does not violate federal law, Tuberville continues to argue that it does. Pentagon officials said this week that they have taken a more urgent stance on the matter following Congress's August recess, though neither side has shown a willingness to budge. The department argues that the policy is necessary to ensure all service members have equal access to any and all healthcare needs.
Franchetti told lawmakers that the effects of the hold "will take years to recover from."