U.S. Army increases maximum enlistment age from 35 to 42

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Effective April 20, 2026, the U.S. Army will increase the maximum enlistment age from 35 to 42. 

According to the Army Publishing Directorate, an official U.S. government website, the changes were made March 20, 2026.

The maximum enlistment age was increased up to and including age 42, with or without prior military service. They can enlist in the U.S. Army, the Army Reserve, and the Army National Guard.

ABC57 received the following statement from an Army spokesman.

"The Army simply codified in regulation a policy that was first issued in 2023. The Army regulation is in compliance with the Department of War’s policy and Title 10 USC. The Army has excelled in meeting recruiting goals for fiscal year 2026 and is on track to accomplish the following year’s goal. Also, assessment for waivers of all pre-accession legal offenses will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The Army does not condone or authorize the use of illegal substances among our formation.”