COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - The Ohio Army National Guard says it's continuing to exceed its recruiting goals.

Major General Matthew Kambic, the Guard's assistant adjutant general, says the increase means Ohio can respond to domestic emergencies and overseas deployments at the same time.

The Ohio Guard recruited 2,307 soldiers during the fiscal year that ended September 20, above its goal of 2,205.

This was the third year in a row in which the Guard exceeded its recruiting goal.

One reason for the increase is a new program that provides current Guard members $2,000 for each recruit they bring in.

The Guard is also doing more to communicate with recruits between the time they sign up and when basic training begins.

Some recruits who must first finish school or other commitments sometimes change their minds during this period.