The U.S. Army has raised its maximum enlistment age to 42, up from 35, and now allows recruits with a single legal conviction for marijuana or drug paraphernalia possession to join.

This change aligns the Army with other branches, including the Navy at 41 and the Air Force and Space Force at 42, according to military recruiting experts.

Recent studies show older recruits often score higher on qualification tests, are more likely to be promoted, and tend to reenlist more than younger soldiers.

However, they are also less likely to graduate from basic training and experience higher attrition rates, highlighting both challenges and benefits of the policy change.

The move is part of a broader Army recruiting overhaul after missed goals in 2022 and 2023, including pre-boot camp prep courses and new marketing strategies targeting Gen Z.

Officials hope the updates will modernize recruitment efforts, increase enlistments, and adapt the Army’s messaging beyond post-9/11 conflicts.