US Army Raises Enlistment Age to 42 Amid Recruitment Challenges
The US Army has increased the maximum enlistment age from 35 to 42 years to address recruitment difficulties. This change, outlined in Army Regulation 601–210, will take effect on April 20. The army has struggled to meet recruitment targets, missing goals by 25% in 2022 and 23% in 2023. The updated regulations also eliminate the requirement for waivers for those with a single conviction for marijuana possession. The new age limit aligns the army with other military branches, which accept recruits in their early 40s. Currently, the US military has approximately 1.32 million active members, with the army comprising nearly 450,000 personnel.
Published 1 day ago • 20 Apr 2026, 06:27 AM IST