Oct. 30 (UPI) -- In response to ongoing recruitment difficulties, the U.S. Air Force and Space Force have decided to increase the age limit for new enlisted and officer recruits to 42.

This change comes after the Air Force recently fell short of its recruitment target by approximately 2,700 applicants this year, highlighting the significant obstacles the service currently faces in attracting qualified candidates. It is a recruitment challenge that has not been seen in over two decades.

With the job market rapidly evolving and demographics shifting, military leaders believe that they need to adapt their recruitment strategies to meet these changing conditions. By raising the age limit, the Air Force and Space Force hope to attract more qualified individuals who may have previously been ineligible due to their age.

According to Air Force authorities, they anticipate this increase in the maximum enlistment age will result in an additional 50 recruits annually. This boost in recruitment numbers will help bridge the gap and alleviate some of the pressure caused by the recent recruitment shortfall.

The decision to raise the age limit demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. Air Force and Space Force to finding innovative solutions to their recruitment challenges. By expanding the pool of potential candidates, these branches of the military aim to maintain their operational effectiveness and meet the demands of a changing world.

It remains to be seen how this change will affect the recruitment process and the overall makeup of the Air Force and Space Force. However, military leaders are optimistic about the potential benefits and are hopeful that this adjustment will attract qualified and experienced individuals who can contribute to the missions of these branches.

As the recruitment landscape continues to evolve, the U.S. Air Force and Space Force are determined to adapt and overcome the obstacles they face. The decision to raise the age limit is just one step in their ongoing efforts to ensure they have a strong and capable force now and in the future.