A SOLDIER'S PERSPECTIVE
THE WEB'S LEADING MILITARY BLOG SINCE 2004
It is about time this happens.
When the commandant brings his sergeant major with him to visit, you know the drill. There are nine good questions about war, pay, the barracks and training.
Then “Pfc. Ten Percent” asks the questions that make everyone else wince. Why is admin so slow? Why don’t Hawaii Marines ever wear their cammie sleeves down? Why can’t 18-year-old Marines drink?
Finally, Pfc. Ten Percent delivers.
The Corps-wide drinking age has been lowered from 21 to 18 for Marines on liberty overseas and for leathernecks taking part in official on-base command functions – including the birthday ball.
Nice! Be sure to read the rest of the article. Some worries are addressed, and the reasoning is very well thought out. I think I’m going to like this Commandant.
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I am posting this in case someone by the name of susan just goes to th
LL
I didn’t know Marines couldn’t drink overseas!! I know in Germany, at the age of 18, you’re given a ration card that includes alcohol and we (including dependents) could purchase from the Class VI using the ration card.
I do find it interesting that he’s allowing it on bases in the US though. Will that fly? I mean, it’s not like the federal government can withhold federal highway dollars to increase the drinking age and lower BAC levels for drunk driving like it does with individual states to get them to fall into line, but I’m skeptical that the CinC (or Pentagon or whoever) will allow this to stand. We’ll see. It’s still quite a few more months until the next Corps Ball season.
tankerwyf
Wow…I didn’t know that Marines couldn’t drink overseas at 18 either. I’m glad that’s been changed. It’s about time.
LL, there shouldn’t be any reason why it can’t stand on Marine Corps bases in the States. I know that the drinking age on at least some Army posts in the U.S. (at least the ones we’ve been stationed at) is 18.
BravoBilly
While I am a recovering alcoholic and many of fellow alcoholic were in the service, I will defend the 18 year’s right to drink. Why? Because he has been given the right to vote! He is expected to defend our country. Need I say more?