Starting from April 20, the United States Army will raise its maximum enlistment age from 35 to 42 as part of a revised recruitment policy aimed at widening access to potential recruits.
The new regulation applies to the U.S. Army, National Guard, and Army Reserve, according to a 159-page document released by the service this month.
The adjustment brings the Army closer in line with other branches of the U.S. military, with the Air Force and Navy already accepting recruits up to age 40.
The Army had previously increased the age limit to 42 in 2006 during the Iraq War, before reverting to 35 about a decade later.
The Marine Corps, however, maintains a lower enlistment cap of 28, though older applicants may be considered under special waivers.
The minimum enlistment age remains 17 with parental consent or 18 for independent enlistment.
Under the revised policy, individuals with a single marijuana-related conviction may also be eligible for enlistment consideration.
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