The Air Force and Space Force have recently increased the maximum enlistment age for recruits in order to address difficulties in recruiting new service members. Both branches now accept recruits up until the age of 42, up from the previous limit of 39. The Air Force had previously raised the age limit from 27 to 39. With a retirement age of 62, older recruits will still be able to serve a full 20-year career before retiring.
This decision comes as all branches of the military have been facing challenges in attracting potential recruits. In an effort to appeal to younger Americans, the military has made adjustments to its policies regarding tattoos and marijuana use and has implemented programs to prepare recruits who may not be ready for boot camp.
The Air Force and Space Force are not the only branches to have raised the enlistment age or allowed individuals in their 40s to join. The Coast Guard increased its maximum enlistment age to 42 in 2022, while the Navy raised its limit to 41 in the same year. The Army has an age cutoff of 39, although waivers can be granted for recruits up to the age of 45. The Marine Corps has the youngest age limit among the branches, with a maximum enlistment age of 28.
This is not the first time that the Army has raised its maximum age limit. Between 2007 and 2016, the Army increased the age limit to 42 in response to the demand for troops to serve in Iraq. Studies have shown that older recruits tend to have higher levels of education and qualification scores compared to younger recruits.
