Very interesting question that I will admit never crossed my mind before. Since you just have to be 18 to vote, what rights other than drinking are denied to people under 21 (but over 18, I don't think you can serve in the military before 18)?

Well, let's start by how old does a person have to be to purchase a hand gun? One only needs to be 18 to join, by the time all required training is completed and shipped to theater, a kid could be under 19 years old, be a sniper, and be taking someone elses life. And yet, if he/she were to come back to their home state, they could not purchase a gun. Have you ever wonder how old one has to be to join any law enforcement agency local or federal? I am not saying I disagree with the law, but California just prohibited drivers under a certain age to drive and talk on a cell phone. I think everyone should be prohibited, but there goes another point. We seem to limit our youngsters to many things, but they are OK to join and sacrifice. Thanks for your response... The following are the minimum requirements to become and FBI agent... from the official FBI web site... FBI Special Agent Job Qualification Requirements The application process is rigorous and competitive and some of the best advice out there is to have a skill that sets you apart from the other applicants, like speaking another language fluently, having specialized computer skills or to have an advanced college degree. The specific qualification requirements for an FBI Special Agent are: Must be a United States Citizen, must be between 23 and 37 years of age, an accredited four-year college or university degree (no exceptions), three years professional work experience, have a valid driver’s license and be available for assignment anywhere in the FBI’s jurisdiction. FBI Special Agent applicants must also meet FBI physical requirements and an in-depth background check. When all these qualification requirements are met the new special agent will attend an intensive 18-week training program at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

That is a good question.. but consider the training and discipline soldiers have. Most 18 yr olds I know don't have the same sense of responsibility.

If you're old enough to hold a gun, you're old enough to hold a drink. Lower the drinking age for GIs to 18.

Resty, I agree with you with a twist. If a person is old enough to vote, get married, join the service and sign a contract, that same person should be allowed to choose to drink alcohol. I think the age for all of those responsibilities should be 21, not 18. The human brain is not fully developed until until the early to mid 20's. At 18, most do not have enough experience or abitlity to make sound choices.

I absolutely agree with you... right after college, that should be the time to make an adult decision.

I was watching a story on the military channel about a sniper that came home and could not deal with the changes. He went back to Iraq for another tour. Once his tour terminated, he got out and went back to college. Imagine sitting in class next to an individual whose job was to take the life of others before he even got a chance to an education.

Thanks for your inputs Sheila... maybe this will make it to DC and some politician with an 18 year about to be shipped out will do something about it... what do you think?

I think the age should be 21 also! I feel for all our men and women over there. And wish they could all come home!