A focus on warfighting, rather than politics, is what has caused recruitment for most branches of the U.S. military to improve in the past few months, surmised U.S. Sen. Jim Banks, of Indiana.

That happened Thursday during a discussion with heads of three military branches in a hearing of the Senate Committee on Armed Services.

“Sec. [Pete] Hegseth, Pres. Trump, this administration’s focus is on lethality and fighting and winning wars and preparing for that rather than politics and political causes, the recruitment numbers show that that’s what works,” he said. “That’s what young men and women are looking for and inspired to be a part of.”

Sec. of the Navy John Phalen said the effort has been to change the ethos and culture of the military back to its roots.

“We’ve done a better job of explaining what it means to serve. We’ve done a better job of the skills you will get. And, I think we’ve also helped, and this committee’s been helpful in increasing compensation,” he said.

Phalen said increases in pay help the military seem like a competitive option for people looking for careers.

Banks said he believes the president’s commitment to defense immediately upon his election helped boost recruitment.

“I think the numbers bear that out. It’s sort of stunning to look at the last four years compared to the last six months,” he said.​