The US military is quietly rewriting the rules just as conflicts overseas continue to intensify. A sudden policy shift will soon allow older Americans to enlist, fuelling speculation about what this means for the country's long-term defence posture and how far Washington is preparing to stretch its forces abroad.
With the nation feeling the strain of extended international missions, officials are moving quickly to widen the pool of eligible recruits. The changes arrive precisely as the government gears up for prolonged operations overseas.
