Over the last year, the Army has remained strong through its ability to recruit and retain the world's most powerful and respected military force. This "all volunteer" force has not only maintained strength, but grown in numbers even while continuing to support the war on terror here at home and on the two fierce battle grounds, Iraq and Afghanistan. The accessions process that provides Army strength is analyzed in this paper. Beyond the importance of achieving annual end strength numbers, the focus of this study is on the Army's ability to "Shape the Force." Recruiting new members, efficiently matching their skill sets to fill critical vacancies, is one of the ways this can be accomplished. Maintaining an effective enlistment process will keep the "Army Strong" slogan a continuing reality for this and future generations.

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