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flag U.S. military expands by 30,000 active troops in 2026, reaching 1.3 million, driven by strong recruiting and pending congressional funding.

flag The U.S. military will expand by over 30,000 active-duty troops in 2026, raising total active forces to more than 1.3 million—the highest since 2023—driven by growth in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. flag The Marine Corps will remain at 172,300. flag While reserve and National Guard components will see a net decrease of 1,400, the Army National Guard and Coast Guard Reserve will grow. flag Total U.S. military strength, including all components, will exceed 2.1 million. flag The expansion follows strong recruiting results in 2025, with the Defense Department meeting 103% of its goals and the Coast Guard surpassing its target by 21%. flag The plan depends on Congress passing appropriations bills by January 30 to avoid a government shutdown, though some Democrats oppose the Homeland Security bill over immigration enforcement funding.

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