What do you think of being able to join the military at 18yrs old?

Question

and not legal age to go and gamble in a casino or drink

Answer 1

It's the ulitimate in government hypocrisy.

Just goes to show why the government should not be involve in regulating so much of what happens in the US.

Answer 2

Democracy isn't always fair ! Let's put your question in perspective ! Eighteen years old is a common age for many, particularly Marines, to join up. The drinking age is determined by state governments and has nothing to do with Pentagon policy. State government has learned that a drunken eighteen year old is usually out of control and unpredictable. Casinos have learned that a gambling eighteen year old tends to take unnecessary chances, and usually winds up gambling away venture capitol and then some. The Pentagon has found that a disciplined eighteen year old can be an excellent sharpshooter and can be trained to be fearless warrior.

You may not agree with the findings, but the laws being what they are, have been written through trial and error !

Answer 3

I think it is great, also you are wrong and need some facts. In ALL Military bases for ACTIVE DUTY personal it is perfectly legal to buy and consume alchohol. If you go off base you must be 21, so you see the Military DOES recongnize that fact. And it is age 18 to buy lotto tickets so you CAN gamble at that age, casinos are privately run business, not government run so who are we or you to say what the age should be.

Answer 4

If you want to complain, then complain to your state lawmakers. The US government doesn't set the age limits and the military generally abides by the state or country that the installation is in. When I was 18 at my first duty assignment, Korea, I was able to drink and gamble. I didn't do either but I could have.

Answer 5

I joined the U.S. Army at the age of Eighteen. After almost a decade of service,70-90, I would advise you to join the Air Force or the Navy. Army life can be very hard on you and your family. The legal age to vote and drink used to be 18yrs in Michigan (my home state) but was turned back to 21 because it was so abused by the younger group.That's the way it goes. I still feel that if you are old enough to eat a bullet, then you should be allowed the rest of the "adult" fare.

Answer 6

My husband joined the military at 17. He just came back from serving 3 years in Iraq. He said the same thing to me when he got back "They let ya be 17 to join but 21 to drink and gamble, this country is a effin' mess". LOL

Answer 7

I personally think that the ages are right for all the above; however, I think that if you are willing to give your life for your country you should be given benefits. I think that you should have to be 21 to gamle to drink unless you are military then you just show your military id and can do any of that at age 18. It should be an extra benefit.

Answer 8

being 18 years old your brain and body are not fully developed. Drinking at this age only reduces development. Alcohol would be illegal altogether if it weren't for the small war during prohibition... So be lucky you can drink legally at all.

The military simply adds to this development. It teaches you to be strong, pay attention to details, and so on. We can join the military at 18 because it is a learning experience, not a simple minded entertainment experience.

Lottery tickets are purchasable in most states at 18 years of age, if not all... That's gambling.

Answer 9

I don't know where you are from, but around these parts, we can get into a casino and gamble at 18.

Answer 10

I think it is great and very mature for someone at 18 to join, I do think it is jacked up that a person can go die for their country and cant gamble or drink. But those laws are what these 18 yr olds die for. That and the inconsiderate people who protest against us. walk a mile in our shoes.

Answer 11

I enlisted when I was 17 years old back in 1981.
I loved the Army, and what they made of me. Being a is Disabled veteran is an honor, and a privilege to me, serve your country well!! Congratulations on your decision to join.