US military raises max enlistment age by seven years and axes a restriction

WorldPolitics
26 Mar 2026 • 5:09 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • The U.S. Army has raised its maximum enlistment age from 35 to 42 years old in an effort to boost recruitment.
  • This policy change follows the Army's failure to meet its enlistment targets in 2022 and 2023, indicating a need to broaden its recruitment pool.
  • Effective from April, the new age limit applies to the Army, the Army National Guard, and the U.S. Army Reserve.
  • Further adjustments include easing restrictions for potential recruits with a single conviction for marijuana possession or drug paraphernalia.
  • The average age of Army recruits has been steadily increasing, reflecting a deliberate strategy to attract candidates from a wider range of backgrounds and life stages.

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