US army raises upper age for recruits to 42 and scraps marijuana restrictions

The US Army has raised its maximum enlistment age from 35 to 42 and removed a disqualifying barrier for recruits with prior marijuana convictions, according to new Army regulation. The changes apply to Army active duty, the Army National Guard, and Army Reserves. The moves represent a significant loosening of recruitment standards at a time when the military faces ongoing pressure to meet enlistment targets. Lifting the age cap expands the pool of eligible recruits by roughly seven years, potentially drawing career-changers and older workers. Removing the marijuana conviction barrier reflects shifting attitudes toward cannabis legality across U.S. states, allowing applicants with prior convictions to seek service without automatic disqualification.