No More 17 Year Olds In the Fleet
 

The days of the 15 year old sneaking off to join the military have long since past, and now, age restrictions are becoming more stringent.

Because of the restrictions placed on minors being assigned to combatant units, those 17 years of age may enlist into the Delayed Entry Program, but may not leave for boot-camp prior to their 18th birthday, unless their 18th birthday will occur no later than 90 days from date of leaving for boot-camp.

This policy change also applies to Future Sailors currently in the Delayed Entry Program as well as all new contracts written on or after today. (April 13, 2011)

I like it! We have enough immature people out there, why add some 17 year olds to the mix.

I have mixed feeling with it. In WW2 16yo went in and served their country, but back then you could drink at 18 too. Times have changed. Now 21 seem like they are still minors too. This Obama 26 year old stuff doesn't make sense to be, if the constitution says 18yo are adults, then lets treat them as adults...

I agree with treating them as adults but the problem often lies with the kids themselves. Yes, kids. I hate to sound like a downer but when I was in high school (2007) and talked to the guys going into the military (at 17 or 18) the most common responses I got to "Why are you enlisting?" were either "I wanna kill people/terrorists." or "I wanna blow sh*t up!" Granted, I know boot camp teaches them otherwise, but the reality is that these are still kids. The reality of it just doesn't hit home with a lot of them until they get sent to combat. I've had four friends in differing branches come home in either casts or body bags. Not a single one was over 18 when he enlisted.

I think the constitution of the U.S. should override everything. If they say an 18yo is legal age and may vote, then they should honor that. I'm totally against a drinking age of 21. Heck, if you can star in a porn movie at 18, then you should be able to all the other things that come with it.
Just my thoughts...

Yeah. At 18 I'm an adult but I can't
Get a loan without a cosigner
Rent a Car
Drink
I'm still covered under my dad's insurance till I'm 26 (even if I'm a bum)

I want to begin by saying I'm not pointing fingers... But I'm completely confused here... First the discussion starts about how 17 & 18 year old children are to young and immature to handle military service... So instead thoughts are being raised that at this age these Children should be allowed to not only be young & immature but now intoxicated! This makes no sense at all.

Honestly there are even some 21 year olds who shouldn't be allowed to drink...even 30, 40, 50 & older. The real reason the 21 year restriction is in place is because the human brain & other body functions have not fully developed until this age...
So although at 18 the state & country views you as an adult..your body doesn't.