VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – Sixty military recruits from Virginia's Military Entrance Processing Station, or MEPS, took their enlistment oath Tuesday morning at NAS Oceana, getting sworn in by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

“You will be different," Hegseth said. "You will be set apart for a distinct purpose — keeping this nation free. It's going to be tough. But that's the point."

MEPS is in Richmond and determines eligibility for enlistment through medical screenings, aptitude tests and other assessments.

Jackson Sayles took his oath and is joining the Marine Corps.

“I'm ready to take the risk," Sayles said. "You know, I've been in Norfolk my whole life. I'm ready to be somewhere new."

According to Hegseth, all branches have hit their recruitment goals.

“We're also proud of the

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