US Army raises maximum enlistment age to 42

Washington: The US Army has raised its maximum enlistment age from 35 to 42, aligning its recruitment policy with that of most other US military branches.

The new rules allow individuals aged up to 42 to enlist in the US Army, the National Guard and the Army Reserve, according to the 159-page regulation published by the Army this month.

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The change takes effect on April 20.

The Army previously raised the enlistment age to 42 in 2006, during the Iraq War, but lowered it back to 35 a decade later.

The Air Force and Navy already accept recruits up to age 40.

The Marine Corps sets the age limit for recruits at 28, but older candidates can enlist with special authorization.

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The minimum enlistment age remains 17 with parental consent, or 18.

Under the new rules, the Army will also allow the enlistment of individuals with a single marijuana-related conviction.