The maximum age for joining the Army, Army Reserves and National Guard will be 42, instead of 35, which was the previous limit.
Additionally, Americans with a single prior conviction for marijuana possession are now allowed to enlist, which was not previously allowed. However, cannabis use is not permitted once the recruit is accepted.
Also in 2006 - during the Iraq War - the enlistment limit was raised to 42, but was lowered back to 35 a decade later.
The new rules go into effect on April 20. The US Air Force and Navy already accept recruits up to 40 years old, while the Marine Corps has a general age limit of 28. The minimum age for enlistment is 17 with parental consent; otherwise, 18.
