I work in a couple of bars on a military post (full disclosure: my husband is a SSG in the US Army, currently serving in Iraq and stationed on the military post where I work) and I see grown folks acting all kinds of stupid while indulging in alcoholic pleasures. I also see plenty of grown folks acting and drinking responsibly.
There are some soldiers who are not allowed, by law, to drink alcohol. For legal purposes, including voting, signing contracts, marriage, and criminal prosecution, these young people are considered adults (they are after all between the ages of 18 and 20). But, despite being considered adult enough to handle small and heavy artillery, they are not considered adult enough to buy/drink alcohol.
“…She ranted that 18-year-olds haven’t “developed, and that’s exactly why the draft age is 18, because these kids are malleable.” She added: “They will follow the leader, they don’t think for themselves, and they are the last ones I want to say, ‘Here’s a gun, and here’s a beer.’ They are not adult—that’s why they’re in the military. They are not adults.”
The Marines have lowered the drinking age, to allow those under 21 to drink (under special circumstances). But, for most of the armed forces, in particular, in civilian settings, it is still a no-no for under-age members of the military to purchase/drink alcohol.
My question is: Do you think a soldier/service member under the age of 21 should be allowed to purchase/drink alcohol? Why/Why not?
crossposted: I’m Jus’ A Lil’ Dizzy
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