Up from 35 years. Average age is currently 22, though. Air Force and Space force went to 42 years back in 2023. The Navy went to 42 years in early 2026.

Maximum age for the Marines remains 28 years.

With high youth unemployment [1], it ought to be easier to recruit.

The land war is getting closer. The Army's 82nd Airborne has been sent towards Iran. Possibly to take Kharg Island, one of the very few objectives for which an airdrop might possibly make sense.[1] Possibly. 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force is already on the way.

[1] https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/SLUEM1524ZSUSA

[2] https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-03-24-2026