1、 https:/crsreports.congress.gov Updated December 23, 2021Defense Primer: Active Component Enlisted Recruiting Congressional Role The Constitution provides Congress with broad powers over the Armed Forces, including the power “To raise and support Armies” and “To provide and maintain a Navy.” In the
2、exercise of this authority, Congress has historically shown great interest in military recruiting, which is critical to maintaining a fully manned and capable military workforce. Congress exercises a powerful influence on recruiting through its establishment of personnel end-strength levels for the
3、Active Components and Reserve Components. Higher end-strengths generally require a greater number of new recruits, higher rates of retention among current servicemembers, or some combination of the two. Through its oversight powers, Congress monitors the performance of the executive branch in managi
4、ng the size and quality of the military workforce. Congress influences the achievement of recruiting goals by the armed services in a number of ways: authorizing military compensation packages that are competitive with civilian employers (e.g., basic pay, recruiting bonuses, educational and health c