Your thoughts about drinking in the military?

Question

I think I have a solution to several problems (as I see them) I am a Desert Storm Veteran (35 years old now) and I still feel it is an utter travesty that soldiers under the age of 21 can't buy alchohol. Given the recruiting problems the military seems to be having how about a national exemption for anyone with a military ID from the 21 year old drinking minimum. Call it special treatment for those willing to put their lives on the line for their country. If the other 18-20 year olds don't like it, they can join up as well. What do you think?

Answer 1

I agree. I never understood why we can send them off to die for their country and they can't even buy a beer. Personally though I think the drinking age should be lowered to 18 since you're legally an adult. Either that or make 21 the new age for being an adult.
And it's like my husband (army) and my dad (ex army) both say....all good soldiers deserve an ice cold beer at the end of a hard work week.

Answer 2

I agree.
I think that if you are old enough to vote and to serve (and possibly die) in the military, you should be allowed to purchase and consume alcohol.

I do not think there should be a military exemption. Either do it across the board or don't do it at all. Not really fair to the rest of them 18-20 year olds out there. It is one thing to live by the UCMJ as a service member, having two standards would create many problems.

Answer 3

To be honest I think your entire country should lower the drinking age from 21 to 18, for both military and civilians.

So I definatly think under 21's in the military should be allowed to purchase alcohol, it's a bit rich to have the power to send somebody into a warzone but not let them drink a beer.

Answer 4

If you're am old enough to die for your country, you should be old enough to drink a f'in beer!!

Most other countries don't have a drinking age as high as the US so if you pull into port and the drinking age there is 18 then it is up to the discretion of the commanding office whether or not to comply with the countries rules or keep the age at 21.
Fortunately I have a cool CO!

Answer 5

I joined at 17 and became despatched to Germany. That first weekend i might want to purchase alcohol and drink if i had to. tried it, determined i did not pick to. Then we deployed. After barren area hurricane became over, i became 18. Drank all i wanted, yet nevertheless made responsible judgements. nevertheless confirmed up on time and in impressive uniform each and every formation. by no ability drove lower than the effect of alcohol. Stayed out of worry even although I went out 6 nights a week (even as no longer contained in the field). I say decrease it on base and note how the squaddies act.

Answer 6

Drinking on base regulated by military, yes. We don't need drunken soldiers on our streets esp under age. The same policy in foreign lands. The world has a very bad opinion of Americans, young drunken soldiers traveling about will not endear the citizens of foreign countries. We need very good PR around the world.

Answer 7

If a person is old enough to vote they should be allowed to drink and do other things now restricted to 21 and over. Maturity is not based on when a person is born it is based on how they are raised and develop values.

Answer 8

I was a 16 yr old in the militia. Was free to buy alcohol at militia parties, and in the canteen when I went there week nights to play cards. I was a fool, but I still believe it is criminal to allow, and even encourage, under-age people to dring alcohol. Is the military about drinking alcohol or about defending your country?
The laws are made to protect under-age citizens. Shouldn't soldiers be deserving of the same protection?

Answer 9

No, sheet? I joined (many moons ago) when I was 17. The enlisted club served me no problemo.

I say BS!, let them relax and pound a few.

I mean, let them pound a few on base, not off base.

Answer 10

If you can strap on the boots you deserve a beer. Served 9 years myself.