I agree that with this responsibility (of being in the service) and with acts of maturity, should come "privileges". If handled responsibly, that too could be having some drinks. If you can vote, does that not imply that you can act responsibly? (well, theoretically anyway
)
However, having a grown son, I do know that boys seem to mature even later than women do. That's just my own observation of my friends' sons as well. Sadly, I don't think a lot of 18-year-olds are ready for the service, either. I have always thought we should send the OLDER men to war, darnit!!! Get them away from that football game on the weekend - they need to lose that paunch anyway!!!
I digress - alcohol is in an eighteen, nineteen-year-olds life whether we like it or not. I say it's better to drink it at the frat house than sneak off somewhere, drive recklessly home, etc. The PROBLEM, as I see it is the irresponsible "overuse" "overdosing", binge drinking, because there is not enough education of our kids as to the harm they're doing to their brains and their livers.
We need honest education from high school teachers, parents, college classses & professors to prevent the terrible tragedies of overdose that occur daily in this country. In Europe, alcohol is less "taboo" for younger ages, and I don't think they have as much abuse. (that's what I've been told by my sister-in-law, anyway, who is from Germany.)
So yes, I think they should be able to drink at 18, probably, whether they are in military or not. They're going to drink anyway IMO. Just more education; more honesty about what can happen. The military will have to set their own rules regarding imbibing.
So, I'm AGAINST the service for our young 'uns, and FOR moderate of drinking of wine, lol. Yes, we just need women running our country.