Why is that Charlie...18 has been the age for ww1 ww2 ..We seem too of had many brave men and women at that age..Are you saying that at 18 they are more immature than years ago..Interesting view...
I do think 18 year olds are more immature than they were in the 1940’s. Kids don’t have to grow up as fast as they did back then (That’s a good thing by the way). Also, I think times have changed and kids in this generation can’t get by without college and that wasn’t the case when even I grew up. That’s not to say there isn't a strong group of 18 year olds who are plenty mature but, times have changed.
The skill level for soldiering has also changed, hasn’t it? Would the military be better off if more of these young people went through ROTC in college before they enlisted?
The fact is the drinking age should be 21 UNLESS you’re in the armed forces. If the government says you’re old enough to take a bullet and vote for president, then you should be old enough to drink. “If you can take a bullet, you can take a beer”. If you however opt for the college root, then you should wait till you’re 21 (not that anyone really does). In the military, people grow up FAST, in college, it takes some time
That’s just the way I’ve always felt. I mean the voting age was dropped to 18 because kids were fighting and dying with no say in government because “they weren’t mature enough”. A kid can fight and die, some kids can even lead other soldiers into combat, risk their lives, play diplomat, and protect this country, yet, they’re not old enough or mature enough to drink responsibly. I know 40 year olds who cant drink responsibly, and would just break down under the pressures young soldiers face.
I have a friend, an XMarine. After coming home, when asked what he learned in the service, his reply was "How to be a Better Drinker". He came out of his 4 yr. bit in the Marines, A Hard Ass with a Drinking Problem. To me it is sad that our proud soldiers, when spoken of, are associated with alcohol, as part of who they are. In my opinion it is an embarassing.
If the drinking age is 21, why not make enlistment into the armed forces 21 as well.
Just a thought
If it was up to me, they would not be able to enlist till they were 21 (they should be in college) but, if you need to let 18 year olds join the military there is a real problem telling them they cannot have a drink once they do.
How many 18 yr. olds joined the armed forces just so they could get an education. There are alot that couldn't afford or actually go to college, and the services are another way of learning, besides the combat.
In reply to Karen and the drinking problem, it may stem from the combat and stress of war that causes it, and from what I understand, there is not enough help for our soldiers for post combat snydrome.
I’m not saying they should be allowed to just party their asses off. Drinking problems happen, it’s sad. The stress can get to soldiers, Marines, airman and sailors. But stress also gets to normal people of the legal age. Sadly, there is no legal age for drinking problems. I’m not associating servicemen with alcohol (I know the problem, my brothers in the Army and has drinking problem), all I’m saying is that if a person can fight for their country, they should be able to unwind with a cold beer.
Joining the Navy, and Air force will pretty much guarantee you a full ride to college when you get out. They have some of the best programs out there and the risk of dying is little. For those who want to go to collage after then those are your best options. The sad fact is, even with a college education and military service, there are no real jobs out there. Most people who serve end up maybe in Police service, a great profession don’t get me wrong, but its most likely not what they went to college for.
I Agree with you Lucille. To bad the US Gov.couldnt help our servicemen with something different to do on the weekends, instead of drinking. As for the ones that have actually fought for our country, and seen action, there isnt enough help for them, and their Post Traumatic Stress. Seems like they are forgotten. Very Sad.
I joined the Navy at 18. Without it I would have gone to MCC and probably dropped out of there like my cousin. My brother never even went to college.
The Navy was exactly what I needed then. I wasn't a problem kid just a lazy one.
What would I have done for 3 years waiting to enlist? Most likely based on where I worked, gotten into drugs and had a couple kids by now.
This is the land of freedom, not restriction. It's a parents responsibility to teach their child right from wrong and how to drink.
Once again this problems stems from a lack of parenting. Either brought about by the great society and welfare or just crap parents who think the schools are there for teaching their child about life, you can blame nothing else other than the nanny state.
The problem is not alcohol itself, it's the fact that we treat it the way we do. We make it so we have a "no tolerance" policy, no tolerance for experimenting or drinking with the family to celebrate. No tolerance for buying alcohol to have a fun movie night or to cook. No tolerance, until you can buy all the alcohol in the world, and then have problems with binge drinking.
European and other countries have much more open policies about alcohol, and have fewer problems with it. In Germany, for example, one can buy beer and wine at 16 and hard liquor at 18.
There are fewer cases of "binge drinking" in countries with more "liberal" policies.
Peter: "The Navy was exactly what I needed then. I wasn't a problem kid just a lazy one."
Ditto, except I was in the USAF, 1980-84.
The military gave me plenty of time to figure out that what I really wanted to do was write.
I certainly had plenty of opportunities to drink and party, especially at Loring AFB, Maine. I did my bit, but I was more interested in my guitar and books than I was in going to the club.
Drinking is a choice.
There is plenty for military personal to do beside drink. And MOST military personal have no drinking problem whatsoever.
It's not the military's place to hand-hold personnel in dealing with life's choices and growing up. Individuals need to make those choices.
Peter and Howard glad to hear your presective on this..And total agree..Howard thanks for the poll..I still think 18 is a fine age of accountabily..So everyone goes to collage at 18 and what goes on there...Drinking..Collage is very liberal..No structure.. were anything goes..If anything i think enlisting at 18 will make you a better college student at 21..I just read were only 50% of college students actually graduate..The Army doesn't have that rate of drop outs..Point is New York should go back to 18..
New York can actually make there drinking age what ever they want. Any state can. What stops them is federal money the government gives to each state to keep the drinking age at 21. If they bring it below that age, the funds dry up.
Look over 20% of GCASAs court ordered enrollment is under 21. The government knows teenagers are going to drink and nothing they can do is going to stop it. But with the drinking age set at 21 at least they can arrest teeenagers, charge the parents of teenage drinkers fines (another form of tax) and court fees and force them to go to and pay for enrollment in government funded programs like GCASAs (government jobs).
18 should be the drinking age. Why not issue an 18 yr old a "drinking permit" Charge them $20 per year until the age of 21. Where ever they go, restaurant, liquor store, grocery store they would have to present their permit and get it swiped to purchase. If they get a DWI in that time frame they lose the permit and drivers license. This would not only bring more money into the state but would make them more responsible. And as long as we are on it, let's charge the below 18 offenders with more than just a slap on the wrist. Community service and a decent fine would help.
I agree, die for your country, get married, vote, have kids, can't have a drink ???
Wow, great debate. I'm not sure on which side I stand.
I thought that the drinking age on a military base was 18, but after a little research, I found that the drinking age is the same as the drinking age in whatever state (or country) they reside in.
Part of the issue of lowering the drinking age to 18 is this: An 18 year old is much more likely to buy alcohol for a minor then a 21 year old is.
If the "age of adulthood" is raised to 21, how would it effect the public assistance a minor could receive? Adding 3 more years for an individual to receive benefits would cost a fortune. And, think about child support payments and things like that.
Wow where do we start. This is truly a hard issue. Like many I drank at an early age to fit in with my peers. Whether we make the drinking age at 18, 21, or 25, we will always face the issues of under age drinking; alcohol abuse and driving while intoxicated. As a military member I believe if you are old enough to die for your country you are old enough to drink. However, you will always have those few that will make unwise decisions making you think if you made the right choice. I have allowed some of my younger airmen to have a few. However, I made sure they had a wingman to ensure they didn't get out of hand. We all need to take a active role when we are out enjoying a few cocktails. We need to watch our own actions and watch out for those that may endanger our roads and highways. What it really comes down to, we need to know when enough is enough. I believe we should make the drinking age a little higher due to maturity issues. The drinking age should be 25 for the following reasons; one that age is when we should be a wiser adult; second maybe just maybe our college students may take their studies seriously. At the same time I think there should be an exception such as military service. However, these individuals should be confined to on base clubs and not allowed to participate in local or outside bar establishments. This would help regulated these individuals and control their movements to help eliminate DWIs and disorderly conduct.
You’re missing an option
You’re missing an option Howard. I think they should move adulthood to 21. That means joining the military as well.
Why is that Charlie...18 has
Why is that Charlie...18 has been the age for ww1 ww2 ..We seem too of had many brave men and women at that age..Are you saying that at 18 they are more immature than years ago..Interesting view...
I do think 18 year olds are
I do think 18 year olds are more immature than they were in the 1940’s. Kids don’t have to grow up as fast as they did back then (That’s a good thing by the way). Also, I think times have changed and kids in this generation can’t get by without college and that wasn’t the case when even I grew up. That’s not to say there isn't a strong group of 18 year olds who are plenty mature but, times have changed.
The skill level for
The skill level for soldiering has also changed, hasn’t it? Would the military be better off if more of these young people went through ROTC in college before they enlisted?
The fact is the drinking age
The fact is the drinking age should be 21 UNLESS you’re in the armed forces. If the government says you’re old enough to take a bullet and vote for president, then you should be old enough to drink. “If you can take a bullet, you can take a beer”. If you however opt for the college root, then you should wait till you’re 21 (not that anyone really does). In the military, people grow up FAST, in college, it takes some time
Jacob, that sounds about
Jacob, that sounds about right to me.
That’s just the way I’ve
That’s just the way I’ve always felt. I mean the voting age was dropped to 18 because kids were fighting and dying with no say in government because “they weren’t mature enough”. A kid can fight and die, some kids can even lead other soldiers into combat, risk their lives, play diplomat, and protect this country, yet, they’re not old enough or mature enough to drink responsibly. I know 40 year olds who cant drink responsibly, and would just break down under the pressures young soldiers face.
I have a friend, an XMarine.
I have a friend, an XMarine. After coming home, when asked what he learned in the service, his reply was "How to be a Better Drinker". He came out of his 4 yr. bit in the Marines, A Hard Ass with a Drinking Problem. To me it is sad that our proud soldiers, when spoken of, are associated with alcohol, as part of who they are. In my opinion it is an embarassing.
If the drinking age is 21, why not make enlistment into the armed forces 21 as well.
Just a thought
If it was up to me, they
If it was up to me, they would not be able to enlist till they were 21 (they should be in college) but, if you need to let 18 year olds join the military there is a real problem telling them they cannot have a drink once they do.
I agree with you Charlie. The
I agree with you Charlie. The US is throwing our kids into a big mess, at such a young age. They are left to Cope with the stress, by drinking...
How many 18 yr. olds joined
How many 18 yr. olds joined the armed forces just so they could get an education. There are alot that couldn't afford or actually go to college, and the services are another way of learning, besides the combat.
In reply to Karen and the drinking problem, it may stem from the combat and stress of war that causes it, and from what I understand, there is not enough help for our soldiers for post combat snydrome.
I’m not saying they should be
I’m not saying they should be allowed to just party their asses off. Drinking problems happen, it’s sad. The stress can get to soldiers, Marines, airman and sailors. But stress also gets to normal people of the legal age. Sadly, there is no legal age for drinking problems. I’m not associating servicemen with alcohol (I know the problem, my brothers in the Army and has drinking problem), all I’m saying is that if a person can fight for their country, they should be able to unwind with a cold beer.
I also think the government
I also think the government should pay for college in return for mandatory military service after.
Joining the Navy, and Air
Joining the Navy, and Air force will pretty much guarantee you a full ride to college when you get out. They have some of the best programs out there and the risk of dying is little. For those who want to go to collage after then those are your best options. The sad fact is, even with a college education and military service, there are no real jobs out there. Most people who serve end up maybe in Police service, a great profession don’t get me wrong, but its most likely not what they went to college for.
I Agree with you Lucille. To
I Agree with you Lucille. To bad the US Gov.couldnt help our servicemen with something different to do on the weekends, instead of drinking. As for the ones that have actually fought for our country, and seen action, there isnt enough help for them, and their Post Traumatic Stress. Seems like they are forgotten. Very Sad.
I joined the Navy at 18.
I joined the Navy at 18. Without it I would have gone to MCC and probably dropped out of there like my cousin. My brother never even went to college.
The Navy was exactly what I needed then. I wasn't a problem kid just a lazy one.
What would I have done for 3 years waiting to enlist? Most likely based on where I worked, gotten into drugs and had a couple kids by now.
This is the land of freedom, not restriction. It's a parents responsibility to teach their child right from wrong and how to drink.
Once again this problems stems from a lack of parenting. Either brought about by the great society and welfare or just crap parents who think the schools are there for teaching their child about life, you can blame nothing else other than the nanny state.
The problem is not alcohol
The problem is not alcohol itself, it's the fact that we treat it the way we do. We make it so we have a "no tolerance" policy, no tolerance for experimenting or drinking with the family to celebrate. No tolerance for buying alcohol to have a fun movie night or to cook. No tolerance, until you can buy all the alcohol in the world, and then have problems with binge drinking.
European and other countries have much more open policies about alcohol, and have fewer problems with it. In Germany, for example, one can buy beer and wine at 16 and hard liquor at 18.
There are fewer cases of "binge drinking" in countries with more "liberal" policies.
Peter: "The Navy was exactly
Peter: "The Navy was exactly what I needed then. I wasn't a problem kid just a lazy one."
Ditto, except I was in the USAF, 1980-84.
The military gave me plenty of time to figure out that what I really wanted to do was write.
I certainly had plenty of opportunities to drink and party, especially at Loring AFB, Maine. I did my bit, but I was more interested in my guitar and books than I was in going to the club.
Drinking is a choice.
There is plenty for military personal to do beside drink. And MOST military personal have no drinking problem whatsoever.
It's not the military's place to hand-hold personnel in dealing with life's choices and growing up. Individuals need to make those choices.
Peter and Howard glad to hear
Peter and Howard glad to hear your presective on this..And total agree..Howard thanks for the poll..I still think 18 is a fine age of accountabily..So everyone goes to collage at 18 and what goes on there...Drinking..Collage is very liberal..No structure.. were anything goes..If anything i think enlisting at 18 will make you a better college student at 21..I just read were only 50% of college students actually graduate..The Army doesn't have that rate of drop outs..Point is New York should go back to 18..
New York can actually make
New York can actually make there drinking age what ever they want. Any state can. What stops them is federal money the government gives to each state to keep the drinking age at 21. If they bring it below that age, the funds dry up.
Look over 20% of GCASAs court
Look over 20% of GCASAs court ordered enrollment is under 21. The government knows teenagers are going to drink and nothing they can do is going to stop it. But with the drinking age set at 21 at least they can arrest teeenagers, charge the parents of teenage drinkers fines (another form of tax) and court fees and force them to go to and pay for enrollment in government funded programs like GCASAs (government jobs).
18 should be the drinking
18 should be the drinking age. Why not issue an 18 yr old a "drinking permit" Charge them $20 per year until the age of 21. Where ever they go, restaurant, liquor store, grocery store they would have to present their permit and get it swiped to purchase. If they get a DWI in that time frame they lose the permit and drivers license. This would not only bring more money into the state but would make them more responsible. And as long as we are on it, let's charge the below 18 offenders with more than just a slap on the wrist. Community service and a decent fine would help.
I agree, die for your country, get married, vote, have kids, can't have a drink ???
Wow, great debate. I'm not
Wow, great debate. I'm not sure on which side I stand.
I thought that the drinking age on a military base was 18, but after a little research, I found that the drinking age is the same as the drinking age in whatever state (or country) they reside in.
Part of the issue of lowering the drinking age to 18 is this: An 18 year old is much more likely to buy alcohol for a minor then a 21 year old is.
If the "age of adulthood" is raised to 21, how would it effect the public assistance a minor could receive? Adding 3 more years for an individual to receive benefits would cost a fortune. And, think about child support payments and things like that.
Child support in NYS does
Child support in NYS does generally go until the "child" is 21 years of age unless they are emancipated.
Thanks for the info Beth.
Thanks for the info Beth.
Wow where do we start. This
Wow where do we start. This is truly a hard issue. Like many I drank at an early age to fit in with my peers. Whether we make the drinking age at 18, 21, or 25, we will always face the issues of under age drinking; alcohol abuse and driving while intoxicated. As a military member I believe if you are old enough to die for your country you are old enough to drink. However, you will always have those few that will make unwise decisions making you think if you made the right choice. I have allowed some of my younger airmen to have a few. However, I made sure they had a wingman to ensure they didn't get out of hand. We all need to take a active role when we are out enjoying a few cocktails. We need to watch our own actions and watch out for those that may endanger our roads and highways. What it really comes down to, we need to know when enough is enough. I believe we should make the drinking age a little higher due to maturity issues. The drinking age should be 25 for the following reasons; one that age is when we should be a wiser adult; second maybe just maybe our college students may take their studies seriously. At the same time I think there should be an exception such as military service. However, these individuals should be confined to on base clubs and not allowed to participate in local or outside bar establishments. This would help regulated these individuals and control their movements to help eliminate DWIs and disorderly conduct.
25? I think that's taking it
25? I think that's taking it a little too far. How many couples wouldn't even be able to toast on their wedding day? I think it should go back to 18.