The U.S. Army has raised its maximum enlistment age and eased restrictions for potential recruits with a prior marijuana possession conviction, in a move aimed at broadening its recruiting pool as the U.S. remains engaged in the ongoing conflict with Iran.

In a memo published this week, the Army said it will increase the maximum age for new recruits from 35 to 42, with the change set to take effect in April. The updated regulation applies to the active-duty Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve.

The policy shift also removes a previous requirement for a waiver for individuals with a single conviction for marijuana possession or possession of drug paraphernalia. Under the old rules, such applicants needed Pentagon approval, had to wait up to 24 months and pass a drug test before enlisting.

The change comes as more states move to legalize cannabis, though its use remains prohibited for service members. Applicants with more serious drug-related offenses will still require waivers.

The Army described the update as part of a broader effort to expand eligibility and align more closely with other military branches. The Air Force and Space Force already allow enlistment up to age 42, while the Navy and Coast Guard cap enlistment at 41. The Marine Corps maintains a maximum age of 28, with waivers available in some cases.

Army leaders say the changes reflect a shift toward attracting a wider and more experienced pool of applicants. The average age of recruits has risen to 22.7 in fiscal year 2026, compared with 21.7 in the 2000s and 21.1 in the 2010s, according to Army data.

“We’re kind of looking at a more mature audience that might have experience in technical fields,” said Angela Chipman, chief of military personnel accessions at the U.S. Army. “We need warrant officers with extreme technical capabilities, and those will come from the enlisted ranks.”

The move follows recruiting shortfalls in 2022 and 2023, when the Army missed its enlistment goals, before rebounding in 2024.

The updated regulation does not mention reinstating a military draft, a measure some other countries have recently taken to increase their troop numbers.