Military drinking age???

I was in the old Navy when there were no restrictions like there are today and everything worked out fine. All you had to do was use common sense and STAY OUT OF TROUBLE. You worked hard and did the best you could, keeping your mouth shut and following orders. Then, when we had free time, we partied hard also. Over in Rota Spain, for instance, we would go to the Ship's Store on base and buy a tax-free carton of Marlboro's really cheap. Then, go back to the barradcks for the 3 S's, shit, shower and shave. When ready and spruced up, call a cab to take you DOWNTOWN. There were 54 bars that were for Americans with around 500 barmaids (not many bartenders). We would drink beer to get a belly full and then use the cigs as barter for a girl. When finished with our shannagans, we would flag a cab and get a ride back to the base. WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THIS? It was heaven for a 19 year old kid out of High School.

 

i dont know man i dont know. were u fleet or bees?

 

I was a Navy Communications Technician E-4, made E-5 back at Ft. Meade. By the way, all the girls that worked in the bars had to have a VD test every month (Spanish Law). THE NAVY TAKES CARE OF IT'S OWN.

 

just chckin there are ony a few bees on here. we dont get to go to rota anymore btw

 

Pretty much all the men in my family fought in WW2. Back then they must have had zero regulations because they all came back as alcoholics ( I probably would too after going through what they did).

18... 21... I fail to see the difference. They're still kids and kids tend to go nuts with drugs/alcohol for a few years until they get it out of their system.

 

I used to go to a bar off base Near Mare Island Called "The Horse and Cow", was one in San Diego too. ...We had a big ugly local girl trolling for sailer. she threw a dart at me when i saw her and declared "WHOA I didnt know that the horse and cow was 1 person!" $1 pitcher night as usual.

 

If you old enough to go war your old enough to buy a beer.

However I don't think you should have a younger drinking age just because your in the military.

 

X1000000000. God Bless the troops.

 

I really think it should. I mean, if you can die for your country, you should undoubtedly be able to have a drink if you want! JMO

 

Just recently, it has changed... As long as you are at a military function, anyone can drink regardless of age...


I agree with most, if you are willing to put your life on the lone, you should be able to drink!

 

Damn right! God bless the troops!

 

Nothing has changed! Military personnel are permitted to drink underage at an event aboard a military installation only when the installation CO grants the right to the command CO for a specific event. In my opinion all permitting younger members of the DOD to drink will do is set them up for failure, because they are now part of the military does not mean they are responsible enough to handle the right. Many times I have hosted events where I allowed members of my squad to drink however that is a risk I was willing to take only after responsibility was demonstrated.

 

I was under the impression this was a more recent thing.... I agree, responsibility is key. I'm not saying they should be permitted to get shit faced drunk, having a beer once in a while....in moderation is not so bad.

 

18

Good enough for the Cold War it's good enough now.

 

i think that anyone serving our country and has a high possibility of losing there life doing there job should be able to enjoy a drink no matter what there age is

 

I agree. if you choose not to serve your country, then live with your decision. dont go crying because the other guys get to drink and you dont.
IF YOU ARE WILLING TO PAY THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE THEN YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO DRINK.

 

x100!

 

Is there a set rule across the board for all branches? When I was in, 93-94, Camp Pendleton was 18 and El Toro MCAS and 29 Palms were 21. It didn't matter to me since I was already 22. Did I buy for other Marines who couldn't? Maybe. Just seems strange there isn't a set rule but I guess it may have to do with individual state's laws on drinking age as well.

 

It goes by each state. There are some exemptions where they talk about emancipated minors (those who are underage but get adult priveleges). But there is no federal law.....to my knowledge.

 

I dont care how immature Marines or other servicemen may be, when you ask someone to possibly lay down thier life for thier country you had better let em have a damn beer. We give them guns and the responsibility to protect our country and more importantly their brother or sister to thier left and right, we say they are responsible enough to handle that great task as well as be reponsible for millions of dollars of equipment but they are not responsible enough to drink a beer?

as for immaturity and the great responsibility you take when you become intoxicated this needs is a problem and needs to be dealt with but in a more constuctive way than just saying no becasue they will do it anyway. instuction counseling awareness etc these are the things we should focus on. i dont have all the answers but it just seems Effed up to ask a guy to possibly give up his life but he cant drink.

just another point of view is all. To each his own.

Edit: they have only been allowing Marines under age to drink recently with command approval and only at command functions. its a small step but a good one.