US Army raises enlistment age to 42

The United States Army has raised the maximum age for enlistment from 35 to 42 years.

The new recruitment rules will take effect on April 20.

According to industry outlet Task&Purpose, the change removes a barrier for recruits who have at least one prior conviction for marijuana possession.

The age increase aligns the Army with other service branches: 41 years in the United States Navy and 42 years in the United States Air Force and United States Space Force. Sources noted that the average age of Army recruits is around 23.

The move is part of a multi-year reform aimed at improving the efficiency of the US Army’s recruitment system, linked to higher education levels and professional skills among personnel.