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Also, don't pay military maintenance unless you are going to or at war. Lower mil spending to 0 (same with naval). Then, increase DEFENSE spending.

When you lower mil or naval spending your units are weaker. Since they are not at full strength, defense spending will 'grow' recruits from your already existing soldier POP's.

Yes, you can also convert more pop's to soldiers, and will do some of that ... how many depends on your strategy.