US Army raises maximum enlistment age to 42 amid recruitment push

The US Army has increased its maximum enlistment age from 35 to 42, bringing its recruitment policy in line with most other US military branches.

Under the updated rules, individuals aged up to 42 are now eligible to join the US Army, the National Guard, and the Army Reserve, according to a 159-page regulation released this month. The policy takes effect on April 20.

The Army had previously raised the enlistment age to 42 during the Iraq War in 2006 but reverted to 35 a decade later. By comparison, the US Air Force and US Navy accept recruits up to 40, while the US Marine Corps caps enlistment at 28, with exceptions possible through special authorization.

The minimum enlistment age remains 17 with parental consent, or 18 without. In a further shift, the Army will permit the recruitment of individuals with a single marijuana-related conviction.