The Marines are finding the recruits they're looking for and then some.

The Marine Corps far exceeded its recruiting goal last month. And it could eventually be more than a year ahead of schedule, as it tries to grow the force to 202,000 members.

The Pentagon says all military services met or surpassed their monthly recruiting goals in April with the Marines getting nearly one and a-half times the number they were looking for.

The Pentagon last year recommended that the Army be increased by about 65,000 soldiers, to a total of 547,000, and that the Marines be increased by 27,000.

Recruiting is easier in a slow economy. But officials note that the Army and Marines have added recruiters, as well as bonuses and other special benefits to attract more recruits.