DD 17 is so mad at us....

[PatsGirl]

The way you explained it in this post sounds most understandable, and more how I think we all pictured it happening.

Thanks for that And, yes, I do agree that a college freshman and someone in the military is different but given a few of the responses I wondered how others felt. DS is "mostly" financially independent at this time but emotionally is still looking for direction and structure. He thrives on structure and it is one of the reasons he chose the military and not college. He has a hard time "policing" himself. The upside to that is, he recognizes it

The Air Force has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking. Whether I agree with it or not is a moot point. DS has a very high security clearance which he would most likely lose if caught drinking. And, just because we allow 18 year olds in the military and let them die for our country doesn't mean that they are mature men. Have you ever seen an 18-year old drunk? It's not pretty

And also, I am having a hard time letting go...I think I may forever warn him of the dangers he will encounter in day to day life. Forbid him to do things, no, but discuss the pros and cons, probably forever, whether he asks for my opinion or not

 

[BelleWDW]

Seriously?! You want those YOUNG MEN drunk AND fighting our battles? I think there's a reason they send KIDS to do this. I don't agree with it, but it is what it is.

(BTW, I have SEVERAL family and friends - MATURE, dads, grandpas, great-grandpas, SERVING right now!)
Amen!

Really-you have a great-grandfather who is ACTIVE military?

If they are old enough to be killed in battle-they are old enough to drink. never said they would be in battle drunk??

 

[PaulaSB12]

Thanks for that And, yes, I do agree that a college freshman and someone in the military is different but given a few of the responses I wondered how others felt. DS is "mostly" financially independent at this time but emotionally is still looking for direction and structure. He thrives on structure and it is one of the reasons he chose the military and not college. He has a hard time "policing" himself. The upside to that is, he recognizes it

The Air Force has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking. Whether I agree with it or not is a moot point. DS has a very high security clearance which he would most likely lose if caught drinking. And, just because we allow 18 year olds in the military and let them die for our country doesn't mean that they are mature men. Have you ever seen an 18-year old drunk? It's not pretty

And also, I am having a hard time letting go...I think I may forever warn him of the dangers he will encounter in day to day life. Forbid him to do things, no, but discuss the pros and cons, probably forever, whether he asks for my opinion or not

How does the air force deal with 18 year olds drinking in countries that that age is legal for example the UK?

 

[KimRaye]

Really-you have a great-grandfather who is ACTIVE military?

I said FAMILY & FRIENDS who ARE MATURE Dads, Grandpas and yes, Great-Grandpas! Not MY great-grandpa.

So, just 18yo SOLDIERS should be allowed to drink? Not U.S. Citizen 18yo's?

 

[teskak]

In all of Australia the legal drinking age is 18. And as for military, the establishments are either dry - say submarines or for other vessels etc the rule is 1 can per man per day. Enough to be 'satisfying' after a hot day but not enough to have anybody affected.


My question for Navy families, what is the view when the ships are on shore leave at different international ports? Is there a problem if an 18year old gets wasted on Australian port leave?

 

[PatsGirl]

The USAF enforces the 21 year old drinking age regardless of location. DS had to attend some type of class where this was explained in detail. Doesn't matter if you are in Canada, Korea, or Iraq, you cannot drink unless you are 21 He was originally scheduled for a base in Minot, North Dakota, just a drive from the Canadian border where the drinking age is 18. Am I nieve (sp) enough to think he wouldn't have crossed that border? No. But, again, because of his security clearance he has additional motivation to follow the rules.

 

[BelleWDW]

I said FAMILY & FRIENDS who ARE MATURE Dads, Grandpas and yes, Great-Grandpas! Not MY great-grandpa.

So, just 18yo SOLDIERS should be allowed to drink? Not U.S. Citizen 18yo's?

No-I think the drinking age should be lowered to 18

It was when i was that age

Going back to the idea that you are an ADULT at 18...if

You can get married, and fight in a war-then you should be able to do anything that any adult can do also

I dont see how any Great grandfather can still be "Active Military"???? Most great Grandfathers would be 75 or older-can someone that age really STILL be in the Military???

 

[golfgal]

No-I think the drinking age should be lowered to 18

It was when i was that age

Going back to the idea that you are an ADULT at 18...if

You can get married, and fight in a war-then you should be able to do anything that any adult can do also

I dont see how any Great grandfather can still be "Active Military"???? Most great Grandfathers would be 75 or older-can someone that age really STILL be in the Military???

The problem is that while maybe on paper you are an adult, you certainly are not intellectually an adult. A person is not a true adult until they take full responsibility for themselves--living in their own place, paying ALL of their own bills, etc. If you were doing that at 18, great, but 99.9% of the population is not.

KimRaye--the point you are missing is that a Great-Grandfather is probably at LEAST 70 years old and would not be active military.

 

[KimRaye]

I dont see how any Great grandfather can still be "Active Military"???? Most great Grandfathers would be 75 or older-can someone that age really STILL be in the Military???

Yes it's possible. He's Air Force reserve, does that count? He just returned home after another 6 month stay! It's my BIL, and he's around 60, and a new great-grandfather. Chalk it up to everyone having babies early.