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U.S. Army Raises Enlistment Age to 42, Eases Drug Rules

3/25/2026

50 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Army raised the maximum enlistment age to 42 and eased marijuana conviction restrictions.
The changes align the Army with other branches and address recruitment challenges.
Analysts say older recruits perform better on tests and are likelier to reenlist, though attrition is higher.
Waivers for drug offenses are streamlined, and lower-level commanders will handle major misconduct waivers to speed approvals.

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Story summary

The U.S. Army raised the maximum enlistment age to 42 and eased marijuana conviction restrictions.
The changes align the Army with other branches and address recruitment challenges.
Analysts say older recruits perform better on tests and are likelier to reenlist, though attrition is higher.
Waivers for drug offenses are streamlined, and lower-level commanders will handle major misconduct waivers to speed approvals.