Actually, I was going to say "It's obvious, you loathe the military".

Not true Mario...21 for everyone now.

Not to take issue with you Kingwood--but when I was 18 in the "Marine" corps I could drink any where as long as I was on a military base.--I drank my fill and that of several others while traveling around the fas east Europe and of course in Vietnam..

If that has changed , I am not aware of it.

Not to take issue with you Kingwood--but when I was 18 in the "Marine" corps I could drink any where as long as I was on a military base.--I drank my fill and that of several others while traveling around the fas east Europe and of course in Vietnam..

If that has changed , I am not aware of it.

The already did this once and too many teens were dying. It was changed because the felt if an 18 y/o could be drafted to fight in Vietnam, is able to vote, he should be able to drink legally too. I think the speed limit was reduced to 55 during this time too so the legally drunk driving teens should have been driving slower.

Have these guys forgotten already why it was raised back up to 21? Mercy, give them a masters degree and a doctorate and they lose every bit of common sense they used to have.

Joining the military shows a level of responsible behavior devoid in many 18-21 year old kids who go to college to party.

I wouldn't think you would understand. People actually respect the military.

Man, I'm sorry but that comment offends me. Who are you to say that since I'm in college, I'm irresponsible, not respected, and here just to party? That's what you're insinuating so don't come back at me with "you didn't mean it like that." I'm pretty sure when we ALL turn 18, we send in our little card, and we're registered for the draft if need be. Just because I don't voluntarily jump up and enlist does not mean I WOULD NOT DIE FOR THIS COUNTRY! I'm in college for one thing; to get an education so that I may leave this world a better place when it's my time to leave. Aside from the drama (half of which is just BS to get a rise out of you guys), I'm a pretty well respected person and a very responsible person. Most of the friends I have that are in the military are there for one reason; they didn't have an out; it was either that or watch their lives swirl around the bowl and then down the drain. Yeah, our servicemen are doing GREAT things, and I have the utmost RESPECT and THANKFULLNESS for them, but to say that they're better than little old me the college student is just pure and total bs man.

As some others have stated about my brothers and sisters: the military was not an only option for us and we did not have terrible high school grades. I chose the military to follow in my mentor's steps and in return recieved a good education, accelerated life experiences, and a bond of brotherhood that I will take to the grave with me.

I like the age the way it is, but my $.02 is:

As a Police Officer, I arrest just as many people for DWI in their teens, 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, etc. Only difference is the older guys/girls usually have had more DWI's in the past. People who drive impaired, regardless of age, will continue to do so until they have went to jail enough times for it, or kill someone in an accident. In my opinion, responsibility and maturity come from life experiences and not whether you decided to enlist in the military or enroll in college.

I served 6 yrs to the military straight out of high school and had more responsibility commanding a 12 man team in Iraq/Afganistan at the age of 22/23 than I will ever have at my current job (even if I become chief). As some others have stated about my brothers and sisters: the military was not an only option for us and we did not have terrible high school grades. I chose the military to follow in my mentor's steps and in return recieved a good education, accelerated life experiences, and a bond of brotherhood that I will take to the grave with me. If a person decides college, military, trade school, or just plan hard work they will only succeed if they have the desire and drive to better themselves and their family. Thanks!!! and great discussion.