The United States Army has officially increased the maximum enlistment age from 35 to 42 years, effective April 20, 2026, under a revised version of Army Regulation 601-210. The change applies to the Regular Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard. The new directive also removes the waiver requirement for individuals previously convicted once for possession of marijuana or other controlled substances. The adjustment aims to expand the pool of eligible recruits as the Army faces one of its most severe manpower shortages since 1973.

According to official data, the Army met its recruitment goals in 2024 and 2025 but failed to do so in 2022 and 2023, and has consistently missed targets for the Army Reserve. Analysts attribute the shortfall to factors such as public opposition to wars, particularly against Iran, and declining interest among younger Americans. The Army Recruiting Command cited labor market shifts, limited awareness of military service, obesity, drug use, and mental health issues as key barriers to youth enlistment.

Military analysts note that the policy aligns the Army’s age limit more closely with other service branches and may help offset declining youth participation in the armed forces.