Should the military raise or lower maximum age limits to enlist?

Conceptually raising the upper age limit only makes sense for the reasons I have read here. But realistically I would limit the MOS to critical skill sets, either due to constant personnel shortages in that MOS or due to hard to find talent, such as foreign languages, cyber security, etc. I don't know if I would agree with opening all MOS to upper age limit enlistees or officers. Physical standards are paramount, such as the ability to deploy. And I do not know this for sure, but isn't there some type of requirement that you have to be able to retire with at least 20 years by a certain age? So like if that age was 62, you could never get a pension if you came in at 45. But yeah, I love the discussion, and am sure any rules or laws can be changed to make this work. I wish so much I could go back active duty. I retired USMC in 2004 with 20 years as Military Police (Corrections) and still PT nearly every day.

Such limits should be based on need at the time.

I served 22 years starting at age 19. The Military is for younger folks IMO. You have to be able to do things only younger people are able to do. Joining the Military at age 40 and above only shows how desperate the Military is for recruits. A 25 year old E-5 might not feel comfortable giving orders to a 38 year old E-1 who might just be more educated and averse due to his many years as a civilian. I see problems here. The Military is a Growth System. You grow in maturity and in knowledge. Your rank determines in most cases who works for you. The old Chain of Command. Many folks may disagree with me and I understand but the Military is designed for younger folks just starting out. As you age, earn rank and progress you move up and those under you for the most part are younger and still learning the ropes. I actually did supervise a 60 year old E-5. It can be done, but it is extremely awkward. I am against it.

When I was TDY in Norway I was given a driver who was 60 years old, He took care of driving visitors to and from the Babe to hotels and also took care of mail runs on base distribution. I asked when he was going to retire and he said when he was to old to drive. He said let the young men fight the war instead of mail runs and distribution. I'm 66 and I'd still be wearing a uniform

I agree! There are laws on the books that private corporations have to follow due to age but the government can exclude those depending on the job (military, police, fire, etc.) BRS is basically a 401k for military members and gives those that separate before their 20 years a little bit of savings before they get out. I just researched and didn't know about it until you just mentioned it.

PO3 Michael Townsend - Exactly, so a service member can join at say 45 and because of all ready written laws he/she will be forced out at age 60. That still gives them 15 years worth of retirement if they contributed to their BRS option. So now what is the reason anyone over 35 shouldn't be allowed? Again, if they fail to meet any standards or deployment status because of age, then they obviously shouldn't be allowed.

How do you feel someone's ability should be measured? For example, the military uses the ASVAB test (purely cognitive). Are there other ways to measure ability in which you're familiar?

Performance and meeting requirements are pretty good indicators. Experience is priceless for leadership. Can the old dog still hunt?