Another injustice for those who serve in Iraq (1 Viewer)

[Shawn]

I know this is petty and unoriginal, but three times already this week, I've heard about an American Serviceman being killed in Iraq---who was 19 years old.

I don't mind saying, flat out, that I don't think there's any justifiable reason to put 19 year olds into combat. I'm not saying hey can't handle it, I just don't like it. But what I like even less, is the fact that a 19 year old cannot drink legally; nor, in most cases can a 19 year old rent a car.

But it's OK to get your brains blown out in Iraq? It's really inexcusable.

 

[Mueller Time]

I know this is petty and unoriginal, but three times already this week, I've heard about an American Serviceman being killed in Iraq---who was 19 years old.

I don't mind saying, flat out, that I don't think there's any justifiable reason to put 19 year olds into combat. I'm not saying hey can't handle it, I just don't like it. But what I like even less, is the fact that a 19 year old cannot drink legally; nor, in most cases can a 19 year old rent a car.

But it's OK to get your brains blown out in Iraq? It's really inexcusable.

I understand your frustration, but no one told the 19 year old to join the military. You serve tours good and bad... Kids and parents can't expect everything in the military to be roses.. They don't train you to shoot a gun and self defense for nothing. Your job is to do what the President and Gov't finds necessary... Like it or not... No military member was forced to join, and the same members who cry are the first ones to use the college money and GI Bill with no regrets. And by the way members of the military drink under 21... is it legal no but is more then often over looked in the field.

 

[Dre]

I know this is petty and unoriginal, but three times already this week, I've heard about an American Serviceman being killed in Iraq---who was 19 years old.

I don't mind saying, flat out, that I don't think there's any justifiable reason to put 19 year olds into combat. I'm not saying hey can't handle it, I just don't like it. But what I like even less, is the fact that a 19 year old cannot drink legally; nor, in most cases can a 19 year old rent a car.

But it's OK to get your brains blown out in Iraq? It's really inexcusable.

I agree 100%. It is the only argument I can even think of for allowing 18 year olds to vote or drink, but it is the trump argument IMHO.

 

[System Shock]

Besides, drinking isn't what's cracked up to be anyway.

That "old enough to kill, too young to drink" argument always makes me chuckle. What's so great about drinking, anyway, especially when you are 19 years old?

 

[BullDawg]

Shawn...I appreciate your frustration. But kids dying in war is as old as war itself. Many have died in war that never made it to their 19th birthday. FWIW, 18 isn't even the minimum age for military service. With parental consent, one can join as young as 17. My uncle fought in Korea as a 17 year old National Guardsman.

 

[Rickboy]

To be bluntly honest, the reason 17, 18, or 19 year old can join the military is the same exact reason they are not allowed to drink. They lack the judgment of a 21 year old.

 

[Mueller Time]

To be bluntly honest, the reason 17, 18, or 19 year old can join the military is the same exact reason they are not allowed to drink. They lack the judgment of a 21 year old.

I don't know I joined when I was 17... Enlisted in the Army.. Also Attended CUA played Ice Hockey, went to VCU shortly after... Have a Poli Sci Degree (CUA) and Info Systems (Marymount)... And probably will be going to the Joint Military Intelligence College soon now that I accepted another 6 years in the Air Force (transferred to). I guess that 17 year old Judgement wasn't such a bad choice. And check this judgment out I prefer to be enlisted!!! Crazy I say Craaaaazy!!!

Oh and my 27 year old brother just enlisted in the Navy... Sooooooo I guess does a 27 year old lack the judgment of a 21 year old as well???

But on to the drinking, I do agree in the fashion that younger adults lack the proper judgment of how much and when to drink... But hey it's all part of growing up. You play you pay.

 

[Redlands Saints]

Besides, drinking isn't what's cracked up to be anyway.

That "old enough to kill, too young to drink" argument always makes me chuckle. What's so great about drinking, anyway, especially when you are 19 years old?

what's so great about killing when your 19. I know several young men and women who are in Iraq right now and if you ask them they'll tell you that their proud to be doing the job they have been ask to do but not one of them I've asked likes the killing part, they want to be home drinking. thats where I'd like them to be too.