Laws, ordinances & statutes should

[BlasterBob]

I am a believer that the laws, ordinances and statutes or whatever should be adjusted or changed to allow military personnel to be served alcoholic beverages beginning at age 18. Yes, some of the younger guys get a little rambunctious when they get a few in them but they are old enough to wear the military uniforms, get shot at and even die for our Country etc., so why not.
Another thorn in my side was when I was in the Army, a SFC and I drove a pick up into town during duty hours to get some lumber to make some modifications at the NCO club. We were in clean fatigues and were stopped in town (Fairbanks, AK) by an MP and told to head back to base/post immediately. The old SFC told the MP that we'd do that when we were finished making our purchase in town. He also told the MP (who I guess was only doing his job) that we can fight and even die in these fatigues but the public can't see us in them?? [Rant1]

[BlasterBob]

Oops, looks like I am the only one feeling that our underage troops need a little more relaxation with this particular age restriction. Apparently a lot more old fuddie duddies here than I had anticipated. <;-((

[Fentonite]

Nope, I agree with ya. And I drank my share of E-club beer when I was 18, and got more than a little rambunctious.

[SideShow Bob]

When I was in, we also were able to consume on post at the E-club. And the bars in the adjacent cities/towns overlooked under aged soldiers being served. Wheather for economic or patriotic, reasons are unknown. Also at the time the legal drinking age of my home state was 19.
I also agree, if you are old enough to volunteer to be a mobile bullet stopper and serve your country, you should be old enough to walk into a bar and get a drink. And to be able to purchase a handgun.

[jerrymrc]

I agree with ya as well Bob. BTW missed ya in Raton last week. :)

[stevelkinevil]

Amen I couldn't agree more.

[BushMasterBoy]

At the enlisted club at Lowry AFB, I stood inline to get a enlisted club membership. The lady at the counter looked at my ID card and asked if I was old enough to drink. The assistant club manager was watching over her shoulder. I replied "I'm old enough to kill" and the manager said "give that man a card". I was 17...

true story

[Irving]

Shouldn't be just enlisted. Drinking age is about responsibilty, and being enlisted doesn't make one responsible.

[Eggysrun]

I think our servicemen should be allowed to consume alcohol overseas much like other countries that have beer "rations" would seriously help with morale

[sniper7]

im all for it!

[brokenscout]

Just being 18 you should be able to drink, you can Vote.

[DSull]

If you 're old enough to die for your country then you're old enough to have a beer. I know a lot of Marines who couldn't buy a beer but they have their name on a Wall in D.C. so screw the liberals let them have a beer.

[BlasterBob]

Shouldn't be just enlisted. Drinking age is about responsibilty, and being enlisted doesn't make one responsible.

But it still makes them "fair game" for the enemy so they ARE responsible enough to make the decision to enlist/join up and accept that risk.

[Goodburbon]

I agree 100% Bob.

[tmleadr03]

Personally this is one area where I think Europe has us beat. Alcohol is allowed at 16, cant get your drivers licence till 18. Works for me. And it is much harder to get a licence in Europe then in the US.

[SAnd]

If you aren't responsible enough to drink then you can't be trusted to drive a car, or to vote, or to possess a weapon, or to sign away your life. The trouble is that that happens at different ages for different people.

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

If you 're old enough to die for your country then you're old enough to have a beer. I know a lot of Marines who couldn't buy a beer but they have their name on a Wall in D.C. so screw the liberals let them have a beer.

Very well put!

/discussion

[brokenscout]

If you aren't responsible enough to drink then you can't be trusted to drive a car, or to vote, or to possess a weapon, or to sign away your life. The trouble is that that happens at different ages for different people.
True I know people in their 30's that shouldn't have kids. But the Gov has to do something:)

[J]

+100. Die for your country, drink to celebrate your country. Ah-men! from me.

[lifeon2]

You are responsible for everything else at 18 so have at it I say. Also as this is a gun board lets not forget that at 18 you can purchase a barret 82a1 but not a ruger mkIII. (insert smiley looking confused)

[OneGuy67]

I think our servicemen should be allowed to consume alcohol overseas much like other countries that have beer "rations" would seriously help with morale

I just hated the "near-beer" served at the DFAC. Just wasn't right to tease me like that...

[airborneranger]

If you are old enough to kill and die for your country, then you are old enough to legally drink.

[BlasterBob]

If you are old enough to kill and die for your country, then you are old enough to legally drink.

That pretty well sums it up.