Lower active military drinking age?

[ktheodos]

I read something today about a proposal to lower the drinking age for the active military to 18. Thoughts about this idea?

[healthfreedom]

I'ma a veteran and I think God for the privilege to have served my country. I do not drink, but I think if we ask young men and women (18 - 19 year olds) to put their lives on the line (enemy fire in Irag, etc.), they should certainly be able to drink a beer if they wish.

[articx]

Instead of lowering the drinking age, maybe 21or 22 can be the minimum age required to join the military.

[fjaz1]

Raising the age to join the military makes no sense when it's voluntary   Also, if you really think that anyone in the military can't get a drink at any age you would need a drink

[hawkeye3210]

I honestly feel that bill will go nowhere. Doing it for show.

[Sendmicheck]

It's hard today for kids to deal with the present drinking age, because it would not be a wise thing to do.

[Tresbn00]

I think that if you can join the military you should be able to drink as well.  Putting your life in danger for our country should certainly allow you to do whatever else adults are allowed to do. I like the idea of raising the military entrance age (even the voting age) to twenty one.  Even though it is voluntary it may not always be.  You have to register for the draft/civil service at eighteen and we may, at some point in the future, need to revert back to the draft. I have seen quite a few eighteen year olds that are not responsible enough to handle a driver's license much less holding a weapon and backing up troops.  If we changed the military entrance age to twenty one we should accommodate those that want to enter at eighteen by allowing them to take free classes for three years at a community college. This would probably cut back on the military expenses that our country currently pays.