The U.S. Army has increased the maximum enlistment age to 42 under a revised personnel policy set to take effect next month.

The change is included in an expedited update to Army Regulation 601–210, released March 20 and effective April 20, which governs eligibility and procedures for enlistment across the Regular Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard.

Under the revision, the Army raises the maximum enlistment age to “up to and including age 42” for both non-prior service applicants and those with prior military service. Previously, the maximum enlistment age was set at 34.

The policy also outlines how prior service is factored into eligibility, stating applicants may qualify if their age, minus prior honorable active service, is less than 43 and they can meet retirement eligibility requirements. In some cases, prior service applicants may enter active duty after age 42 if specific conditions are met, including not requiring additional training and already being qualified in a military occupational specialty.

The updated regulation applies broadly to the Regular Army, the Army National Guard, and the Army Reserve, and takes precedence over conflicting enlistment eligibility policies unless otherwise directed by the Secretary of the Army, the document shows.

The enlistment age increase is part of a broader set of changes in the revision, which also updates medical standards, modifies waiver requirements, and adjusts recruiting responsibilities.

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