By The legal drinking age in the United States is 21, but there is an exception for those in the military. Military personnel who are 18 years old or older are allowed to drink alcohol on base and in certain designated areas. This exception has been in place for many years, but it has sparked controversy and debate. Some argue that it is a way to reward those who serve our country, while others believe it is a dangerous policy that can lead to alcohol abuse and other issues.
In this article, we will explore the policy of drinking age for military personnel and the reasons behind it. We will also discuss the concerns raised by the exception and the measures put in place to prevent alcohol abuse. As we delve into this topic, we hope to shed some light on this long-standing debate and help readers understand the complexities involved.
Why Military Personnel Can Drink at 18
The legal drinking age in the US was raised to 21 in 1984 as a response to the issue of drunk driving. At the time, studies showed that more than half of all traffic fatalities among young adults were alcohol-related. However, an exception was made for military personnel who were 18 or older. The rationale behind this exception was to allow those who serve in the military to enjoy the same privileges as their civilian counterparts. This policy was implemented in recognition of the sacrifices that military personnel make in serving their country.
The Military’s Approach to Alcohol
While military personnel are allowed to drink at 18, they are not exempt from the military’s strict approach to alcohol consumption. In fact, the military has put in place various measures to prevent alcohol abuse among its ranks. These include:
Can Military Drink at 18? Exploring the Drinking Age Policy for Military Personnel
Limitations on where alcohol can be consumed: Military personnel are only allowed to drink in designated areas on base or in off-base establishments that are approved by the military.
Breathalyzer tests: Random alcohol screenings are conducted to ensure that military personnel are not intoxicated while on duty.
Education and prevention programs: The military offers various programs to educate personnel on responsible drinking and prevent alcohol abuse.
Moreover, the military holds its personnel to a higher standard than civilians when it comes to drunk driving. A blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08%, which is the legal limit for civilians, can result in severe consequences for military personnel. The military is also known to deal strictly with violations of its policies on alcohol consumption, which can include demotion, fines, and even discharge from service.
The Concerns Raised
Despite the measures put in place, critics of the exception argue that it is a dangerous policy that can lead to alcohol abuse and other issues. Some also argue that it sends mixed messages to young adults about the dangers of excessive drinking. For example, opponents argue that the exception emboldens 18-year-olds to drink more and can create social pressure to consume alcohol. Moreover, military personnel who are not mature enough to handle the privilege of drinking can put themselves and their colleagues in danger.
Those in favor of the exception argue that it is a way to reward those who serve our country and trust them to make responsible decisions. In addition, they argue that the military’s strict approach to alcohol consumption benefits from allowing young adults to drink in a controlled environment, such as a base bar.
Conclusion
The policy of allowing military personnel who are 18 years old or older to drink alcohol is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. While some argue that it is a way to reward those who serve our country, others believe it is a dangerous policy that can lead to alcohol abuse and other issues. Nonetheless, the military has put in place various measures to prevent alcohol abuse, and holds its personnel to a higher standard than civilians when it comes to alcohol consumption. We hope that this article has provided insight into this topic and helped readers understand the complexities involved.
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