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The militia of the United States consists of all able-bodied males at least 17 years of age and… under 45 years of age who are, or who have made a declaration of intention to become, citizens of the United States and of female citizens of the United States who are members of the National Guard.

One might say that the writer's POTUS estimations are on the low side. The reason I say this is because he hasn't addressed those over 45 and the role they can play and it is a substantial role at that. And keep in mind what the life expectancy was back then. Someone 45 years old was typically considered to be an old man in colonial times!

Support roles. Military strategists know what this is. Drivers, medical personnel, logistics, supplies, reconnaissance and on and on. There are many ways those who are "over aged" could be called upon.

To discount those people and the vital role they could play creates two setbacks. One is that you give that large group of "old guys", who want to help, no expectation of participation when they could be used in a beneficial way. Never waste manpower. Molly Pitcher (the old guys) might even be needed to put her pitcher down, step in, man the guns and save the day.

The second is that limited forces are diverted in that the "young guys" would be forced to do the things the old guys could be doing. Instead of having your fighting men fighting you now have to expend that resource away from fighting thus weakening yourself in the process. Let your support people fill those roles and keep your fighting units strong.

Much like Leonidas said to Ephialtes in the movie 300...

If you want to help in a Spartan victory, clear the battlefield of the dead, tend the wounded, bring them water. But as for the fight itself, I cannot use you. Now the old guys are given a choice. Will you help in a manner in which you can or will you, like Ephialtes in a huff about being denied your desire, go tell the enemy about the goat path?

From thigh to neck, Ephialtes.