The United States Army has increased the maximum enlistment age from 35 to 42 and removed barriers for recruits with a single conviction for cannabis possession, in a bid to address recruitment shortfalls.
The new regulation applies to the Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserves. Previously, those with a cannabis-related conviction required a special waiver and a 24-month waiting period, plus a clean drug test. Now, such convictions no longer require a waiver.
The age change aligns the Army with other US military branches, such as the Navy and Air Force. The move follows a 25% recruitment shortfall in 2022, prompting the Army to target Generation Z applicants and older, more experienced individuals.
Angela Chipman, chief of military personnel accessions, noted that older recruits are often more focused and motivated, bringing technical expertise needed for warrant officer roles. Analysts at Rand Corp recommended the age increase, citing higher quality and faster readiness among older recruits.
The policy changes come amid ongoing US military operations in the Middle East, with the Pentagon deploying thousands of troops to the region. Lawmakers have been asked for an additional $200 billion for the Iran conflict, adding to a defence budget already exceeding $900 billion.
