The Air Force increased the age limit for enlisted accessions from 27 to 39, a change that “affects all 130-plus enlisted career specialties,” according to a service release. “We are just complying with [Defense Department] mandates on the max age for enlisted members,” explained an Air Force Recruiting Service spokeswoman at the organization’s Facebook page. The change applies to the Active Duty component and the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. “Raising the age limit doesn’t mean we will increase the number we enlist each year. … In fact that number is dropping,” said the spokeswoman. “We are broadening our demographics so we can be more selective with our applicants to ensure we are taking in highly qualified members,” she said. The new age limit, announced on June 24, took effect immediately.
Aeromedical evacuation Airmen are preparing for future conflicts in which scores more wounded troops may be forced to grow sicker as they wait for help to arrive across thousands of miles of ocean protected by advanced air defenses.