The U.S. Army has unveiled new policy changes, which include raising the enlistment age for those interested in joining.
Details on the U.S. Army raising the enlistment age and marijuana rule
On Friday, the Army announced in its revised Army Regulation 601-210 that the maximum enlistment age was increased from 35 to 42, effective April 20. The new rule applies to the Regular Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, the U.S. Army Reserve, as well as civilians working in recruitment activities, Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and management programs.
The U.S. Army’s increased age limit aligns with other services’ limits of 41 in the Navy and 42 in the Air Force, the Space Force and the Coast Guard. The minimum age remains 18, or 17 with parental approval, according to People, Task and Purpose and the official U.S. Army notice.
This instance isn’t the first time the Army has raised its age limits. It increased the enlistment age from 40 to 42 in 2006 due to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Army lowered its enlistment age back to 35 in 2016, according to Stars and Stripes.
The revision also eliminates a waiver requirement for those with single convictions of marijuana possession or possession of marijuana paraphernalia, per the notice.
On Tuesday, an Army spokesperson confirmed that the new policy intends to align the service with Defense Department standards, according to Stars and Stripes.
When did the U.S.-Iran war begin?
The increased age limit and other revised rules come as the United States-Iran war continues. The conflict began on Feb. 28 when the U.S. and Israel launched air strikes, targeting major sites in Iran.
While it was initially considered a 12-day war, the U.S. said its main goal was to dismantle Iran’s nuclear efforts, its ballistic missile capabilities and changes to its government leadership, Britannica reported.
President Donald Trump told reporters on Tuesday that he would hold off on the U.S. striking Iran’s energy infrastructure.
“We’re doing a five-day period. We’ll see how that goes, and if it goes well, we’re going to end up with settling this,” Trump said, according to NBC News. “Otherwise, we’ll keep bombing our little hearts out.”
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