Posted on Nov 28, 2013
Should 18 year olds in the military be allowed to drink alcohol?
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One of the most annoying things is busting college students for drinking. The problem is that you can at 21 at college but most graduate at 22-24, so part of the population can and part cannot.
But for the sake of argument, let's say that it is 21 and over, should military personnel be allowed to drink?
But for the sake of argument, let's say that it is 21 and over, should military personnel be allowed to drink?
Posted in these groups: 
Alcohol
Alcohol
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 186
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Before I joined the Army, I was an automotive technician. The people I worked with were over 21 and I was not. I did drink with them, but was still able to be responsible. I joined the military when I was 21 and was stationed in Germany. The drinking age at that time was 16, so Soldiers coming there were legally able to drink even if they were under 21. Whether they were 18 or 21, some Soldiers could handle the responsibilities with drinking while others could not. I feel that if they are able to do everything else in life, why not be able to drink. Society has to be willing to accept the risk and the individuals have to be willing to accept the consequences for abusing the right to drink at that age.
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When I joined in 1978, 18 years olds could drink beer only in the E-clubs on base. So I
say bring it back they deserve it.
say bring it back they deserve it.
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Maybe I'm old fashioned but I think if you can wear the uniform and take the oath to serve and possibly die for your country, you should be able to drink a damn beer!
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SSG Peter Muse
I was in Vilseck Germany working as an Army Civilian at the Military schoolhouse when the 2nd CAV cohorted in from Ft. Lewis, WA. The drinking age at their old base was 21 and now hundreds of under 21 soldiers were suddenly allowed to buy alcohol on and off base. It was a mass of article 15s from E1s to E5s and their behavior was absolutely out of control. If the state law is 21 I think they need to obey that. When they are assigned overseas and it's only 18 I think there has to be more control and maybe some limits enforced.
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One of the problems is that the country has made things taboo. Prohibition lead to the rise of pin-striped gangs and bootlegging. When you make things taboo yet glorify with unrealistic advertisements, it contributes to binge drinking.
For those of us that have lived in Europe and Asia, it's apples and elephants how booze is looked upon. Here in Japan I can go down to the street corner and get a beer out of a vending machine, yet I don't hear about teens abusing it. In Germany, Italy, and other parts of Europe a glass of beer or wine is petty normal with your meal.
If you get them exposed earlier and learn the history and contribution of spirits have had on civilization, perhaps there will be less ER visits and more responsible drinkers.
For those of us that have lived in Europe and Asia, it's apples and elephants how booze is looked upon. Here in Japan I can go down to the street corner and get a beer out of a vending machine, yet I don't hear about teens abusing it. In Germany, Italy, and other parts of Europe a glass of beer or wine is petty normal with your meal.
If you get them exposed earlier and learn the history and contribution of spirits have had on civilization, perhaps there will be less ER visits and more responsible drinkers.
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SSgt (Join to see)
I am sick of people trying to micromanage their own voting constituents and being depraved themselves. We have seen more than one example of that.
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Notwithstanding the societal question.....
Yes, if you are in the military, you should be able to have a drink. If you are old enough to bleed for your Nation, you can have a beer.
That is my own opinion, not supported by any command..................
Yes, if you are in the military, you should be able to have a drink. If you are old enough to bleed for your Nation, you can have a beer.
That is my own opinion, not supported by any command..................
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I think our society get amped up over stupid stuff. I understand how staff may have to deal with a lot of garbage but still MADD drove this up to 21 and while well-intentioned it is not right.
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SSgt (Join to see)
I was over 21 when it was okay to drink at 18. It is hypocritical to deny to others what one did themselves.
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As a former 1sg and having had many a weekend ruined and spending countless hours at ASAP meeting with counsellors because only a 1sg or CO can take the soldier. (Why I have no damn idea) I cannot believe I am actually saying yes. They are going to do it anyway. Kind of like General order one in Iraq. "No sex allowed" well they lifted it after the 100th ART 15. So why not do the same with drinking?
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It was 18 in Germany. The guys then went back stateside and kept getting in trouble for underage drinking. I've seen 17 year olds waiting to turn 18 to cross the berm and fight for their country. I've seen CSM's with 20+ years get DUIs. Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions comes to mind.
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If you are old enough to die for god and country then damn straight you should be allowed to have a couple beers at the NCO Club.
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Law says 21... Nuff said... may as well ask if Soldiers be allowed to smoke weed in washington state since its legal...
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