crashd wrote on May 17, 2007 10:37 PM:These kids are DYING for our country and our way of life. If they can die for us then they certainly are old enough to have a drink. Let them do what they wish.

GFN wrote on May 17, 2007 10:40 PM:Tell the anti-drinking groups to go to....Iraq!

Eve of Destruction wrote on May 17, 2007 10:56 PM:"You're old enough for kill'n, but not for vote'n....."

Mike wrote on May 17, 2007 11:24 PM:Do any of these anti-drinking groups have any idea what these Marines do or have done, been through, etc. When one has to kill so as not to be killed; I think a beer or two is allowed. If the Marine Corps does it correctly, there will not be any problems. USMC/Ret.

Ask wrote on May 17, 2007 11:40 PM:Let them drink.

Veteran wrote on May 18, 2007 12:15 AM:I agree with GFN and crashd. Tell these others that always want to tell everyone how to run their lives to "bug off"...

Shocked and Appalled wrote on May 18, 2007 4:44 AM:I'm shocked and appalled that 18 has not been the legal age for military personnel all along. This is a no-brainer.

Back When wrote on May 18, 2007 5:11 AM:I was in the military, I was drinking 'underage' for 3 years and had zero issues as long as I stayed on base. The GIs are under federal rules and not subjected to California law until they pass the gate.

there goes the neighborhood wrote on May 18, 2007 6:39 AM:OMG! What next! Sex in the barracks? Penthouse magazine back in the PX? Driving privledges returned to junior enlisted Marines in Okinawa? This Gen. Conway is way too liberal with the troops. How does DoD expect to the Corps "Save" their people if they allow all this Tom Foolery back into their service. Issue bibles, not budweisers!!!

James wrote on May 18, 2007 6:55 AM:Why is this an issue. Until the Secretary of the navy raised the drinking age in the 90's any Marine could go into any club on any base and get a beer. The rule was if you were under 21 no hard alcohol but you could drink beer and wine. When sec nav raised the drinking age to mirror that of the area asurronding the base he killed the club system and put everyone in a bad position.

It's about time wrote on May 18, 2007 7:03 AM:They deserse the right to drink if they choose. After all they are dying to protect our rights.

Peter wrote on May 18, 2007 7:41 AM:This sounds lame the law should be how it used to be. 18 an older should be able to drink on base. If you’re old enough to die for your country you should be old enough to drink. They are going to drink no matter what. Either they go to TJ or and older friend buys it.

Concerned-1 wrote on May 18, 2007 7:47 AM:Maybe 18 years old is too young to serve in the military. Judging by the horrific civilian killings committed by young marines, maybe we should send only 21 year old men into combat. Problem with that policy would be that by the time men are 21 they are not dumb enough to sign up.

Jimmy the III wrote on May 18, 2007 7:50 AM:OK then Lower the drinking age for all people to 18 and this will cover the problem? Well, not quite, some young folk as young as 15 have entered the Marine Corps in the past under certain circumstances, so does this order allow them to drink as well? Or say how about the marine who is 17 years 11 months and 29 days? I say let them drink only on base and make sure all participants are monitored and everyone - including those above the minimum ages including officers- should be given an appropriate alcohol assessment tests by their military police/medical professionals at all these affairs. If they are over the limit give these MP's the authority to detain until the Marine is sober and capable to work, drive and conduct business safely under the law. Let the Marines take care of Marine business on the base, if it becomes a problem off the base, then that other jurisdiction will have to take appropriate action, but until then wait and let the Marines prove themselves.

Zygo wrote on May 18, 2007 7:52 AM:During the mid 1960's I was in the Marine Corps. As a 19 year old we were allowed to drink on base during functions - squardron parties and other events. We were not allowed to leave the base if we attended one of those functions. The Marine Corps does a good job of policing itself. It is their business in a closed environment.

Terrible Idea wrote on May 18, 2007 8:09 AM:The Marine Corps is taking on the responsibility to supervise these young men. They should not endorse their breaking the law! Are they recommending that parents start allowing underage parties in their homes? Because the young person has enlisted, doesnt give them permission to break the law! If the Marines are sponsoring lawlessness--the towns of Oceanside and Vista and Carlsbad, should set up check points at the enterence to the base and check the ID of every single car and make arrests for public intoxication and underaged drinking! I have seen nothing to suggest that enlisting in the Marines equates to maturity.

To Peter wrote on May 18, 2007 8:12 AM: The laws were changed because young people proved beyond all doubt that they lacked the physical and emotional maturity to handle alcohol. Society was not willing to condone the suicidal and homocidal behavior of drunken 18, 19 and 20 year olds.

Sure, let wrote on May 18, 2007 8:13 AM:Them drink at 18. They need the juice for courage.

Stupid idea again wrote on May 18, 2007 8:21 AM:Drinking is not a right, it's a privilege. They've done this before. Didn't work then. Why do you think they changed it last time? Most of these kids can't handle alcohol and they'll end up fighting and busting up the barracks and whatever else. When did serving in combat allow you to drink? Did you ever wonder why Marines aren't allowed alcohol over there in the big sand box? Let's see what happens when an 18-19 year old kid drinks on base, drives off to O'side and gets a DUI or an accident? Who's fault will it be then? Blame the kid right? He should have known better? The responsibility is at the command level. If they allow underage kids to drink then they should held accountable.

Equal Justice wrote on May 18, 2007 8:32 AM:We might ask the Marines the oft repeated question, "What part of "illegal" don't you understand?"

Who are these people? wrote on May 18, 2007 8:53 AM:"Mothers Against Drunk Driving, says the Marine Corps is making a big mistake -- one that could come back to haunt the service. "We would hate to see a mother or father lose their child here on American soil in an alcohol-related crash or injure somebody else while impaired," the executive director, Pat Hodgkin, said" How about these devil dogs are already losing their lives. Beside the base is a federal sovereignty! The worst thing these guys do is drink. If they are underage to drink, they are under age to die for the country!

Stupid Idea wrote on May 18, 2007 8:59 AM:Drinking is not a right, it's a privilege. They've done this before. Didn't work then. Why do you think they changed it last time? Most of these kids can't handle alcohol and they'll end up fighting and busting up the barracks and whatever else. When did serving in combat allow you to drink? Did you ever wonder why Marines aren't allowed alcohol over there in the big sand box? Let's see what happens when an 18-19 year old kid drinks on base, drives off to O'side and gets a DUI or into an accident? Who's fault will it be then? Blame the kid right? He should have known better? The responsibility is at the command level. If they allow underage kids to drink then THEY should be held accountable.

Hey Equal Justice! wrote on May 18, 2007 9:04 AM:You want equal let's start making it an equal sacrifice to the young 18 years who are cowards and won't serve! How about that! The Marines can drink and go to war! All the young lads, who want to drink should go enlist! How about if the 18 year Marine can equally die for his country and risk his neck, then he should be equally allowed to drink as well. He has already stepped up and became an adult and started serving his country! Did you?

Equal Justice! wrote on May 18, 2007 9:06 AM:Do you hear yourself? Let real American Cowboys have a beer if they want! They serve and do enough for us! When they raise their hand to serve the country, they have been emancipated as 21 year adults! You don't like it! Tough!

Smart move on the part of the Corps! wrote on May 18, 2007 9:07 AM:They are hell raising Devil Dogs! Let them chill with a beer!

All you folks who want to start preaching! wrote on May 18, 2007 9:10 AM:Why don't you make it mandatory in the USA that if you are 21 year, you must serve! Then we can start to address the issue of 18 being old enough to drink or go to war! Many of you never served or risked you necks for anything except yoursleves! The 18 year old service member get special status becuase they have made an adult decision to step up like adults and serve thier country! All the frre love hippies out there want to take away the American Freedoms and condem everytying! What is it with the Demodratic Party types?

Warner: wrote on May 18, 2007 9:14 AM: Nonsense! I spent twenty years in the military and during that time alcohol was a direct cause of many disciplinary problems, the loss of many Man hours, and the ruination of many very young men's lives. It was the cause of many young men committing offenses, that they normally would not have done, except under the influence of drink. Alcohol has been the direct cause of many men earning a dishonorable discharge. I stand up for the military every chance I get. I believe it is an honorable way of life. I also believe that the military makes mistakes as all humans do. And this is one of them. I was in when beer machines were make available in the living quarters of enlisted men and that was a disaster resulting in fights, stabbings, etc. There was a theory put forward at that time that it is better to weed them out when they are eighteen than later after they have became more valuable to the unit. Hogwash!

How about this wrote on May 18, 2007 9:40 AM:Lets raise the minimum age to sign up to 21. Problem solved. Prohibition has never worked and it will never work. I started drinking at 14 and never had much trouble getting a drink. To those screaming that this rule change will lead to all kinds of problems, don't you read the paper? There are already underage people getting into trouble by drinking and doing something stupid. Not just military personel either but civilians to. By the way I quit drinking at 26. While old enough to die is old enough to drink is a cliche how about this one, old enough to pick the leaders of our country is old enough to drink.

to concerned 1 wrote on May 18, 2007 9:41 AM:Those young men you speak about that did those horrific things didnt do it because they wanted to. They could not walk out of their bases without approval or told to by their officers in charge. I think these higher up officials are covering their behinds and letting the young ones take the fall for them. It takes a lot for these men to go out there and do what they do and deserve to have a little more freedom then civilians. After all thats what were supposedly fighting for in Iraq right?

ex-drinker wrote on May 18, 2007 9:49 AM:While I agree with Warner regarding alocohol's down side, I can't see how we can ask anyone to die for freedom - yet they can't have a beer. They should be able to drink beer and smoke pot too. The later is safer, does not produce hang-overs or toilet hugging episodes and would cause less social discord.

JJ wrote on May 18, 2007 9:58 AM:I consumed alcohol in the Navy between the ages of 18-20. You can sign up at 18 to die for your country, but you can't crack open a cold one?

Sick and Tired of It wrote on May 18, 2007 10:15 AM:A lot of you are throwing around the word "served" in your responses. I do not accept that fighting in Iraq in any way serves me or the United States of America. It makes us less safe, it jeopardizes the free world and it trashes American values. The war in Iraq is the product of the so called Moral Majority who put their idiot into the white house and he began a Crusade. The men and women who enlist to fight there may believe they are, but they aren't serving this country--it is misguided and unfortunate but not service. And adding alcohol to the mix doesn't make it any better.

Mother wrote on May 18, 2007 10:22 AM:I don't get the connection between "being old enough to die for your country" and underaged drinking. In Iraq we are shooting little children, 3 and 4 years old); does their premature death make them adults? Does it make their killers adults?

Total Agmt wrote on May 18, 2007 10:47 AM:It's about time. If you are old enough to serve and die for your country, then you are definitely old enough to have a beer. This is fair.

Response to :Concerned-1 wrote on May 18, 2007 7:47 AM wrote on May 18, 2007 10:57 AM:I was dumb enough to serve 22 years thanks for your support! I hope you enjoyed you freedom, etc. Of course you did! That why you sit home and armchair qtrback those who are willing to serve!

Response to Liberal : Mother wrote on May 18, 2007 10:22 AM: wrote on May 18, 2007 10:58 AM:I hope you enjoy your freedom! Now everybodies a baby killer right? Please!!!! Just another hippie through back from the 60s!

Response to Jimmy the III wrote on May 18, 2007 11:00 AM:Yes! If he is old enough to go to war than he is old enough to drink!

Response to : Terrible Idea wrote on May 18, 2007 11:01 AM:How can you compare those young men who join the military with the underage cowards of a civilain family?

M&M wrote on May 18, 2007 11:02 AM:It's about time. I've heard it many times-you can go to war but you can't drink. I think it's a great idea. It's part of growing up. I'll say, the under-agers aren't all immature and not responsible. AND those that are will find a way to drink even if they aren't given the OK and may get themselves in the bad situations anyway. Unless you are Active Military, it's not right to make judgment on our Troops.

Marine Wife wrote on May 18, 2007 11:08 AM:My husband and I passed the legal drinking age years ago, but you better believe theyre fighting for YOUR freedom, they should be able to drink if theyre able to DIE for you. This is a no-brainer, I agree with that, I bet the majority of those that do not agree arent fighting for this country... GET SOME MARINES! OOHRAH!

Response to : Stupid idea again wrote on May 18, 2007 8:21 AM: wrote on May 18, 2007 11:09 AM:Stupid? First off they aren't kids. They are brave young men and women! How dare you think you are so old and wise to tell me anything! Its all ok for you, but when I go to war for you sorry cowards, I can't have a beer! Double standard! Many of you on here wouldn't stand and fight if they enemy were crashing in your door! Then to judge all who drink at 18 as suicidal, etc. Give me a break! Just because you have raised a bunch of weak cowardly Anti-American wimps, don't comapre them to me! I love this country and serve proudly knowing that I could loose my life! It has purpose and value! That is why we have so many looser kids who cannot make decision! The parenst still see them as kids. I suppose everyone who is 60 and has memory loss, must mean that all those age 60 or belong to the AARP must have thier Drivers License taken from them. Don't group me with your kids!

Response to : Stupid Idea wrote on May 18, 2007 8:59 AM: wrote on May 18, 2007 11:13 AM:Yes it is a right! Just another way to regulate and control Americans! How about the cigarettes! Regulate them. Beer and Cigarettes are easy! All of you so hell bent on stopping something, why don't you march againts the ilegals in America! Why don't you campaign against the dope that is being used in America? Why don't you march on Washington and ask why they are allowing amnesty for those who would breakl the law by coming into America? I know, because most Americans don't have the backbone to take a stand on real issues! 18 year old adult Marines who want to drink is not the real issue! It is just a real easy issue that you can feel good about!

Response to: ex-drinker wrote on May 18, 2007 9:49 AM wrote on May 18, 2007 11:17 AM:What are you talking about! Pot and beer are not the same! Further, just because you are a recoverying alcoholic doesn't mean the rest of the world should pay because you are weak! Get a life!

The liberal base of America wrote on May 18, 2007 11:21 AM:Is this the land of the free! Let these real heroes of this great nation have beer if they want! Stop regulating the world! We are starting to loose sight of why this is America!

Response to: Warner: wrote on May 18, 2007 9:14 AM: wrote on May 18, 2007 11:23 AM:Maybe it was that you were afraid in the barracks, becuase you didn't have you Mommy! Sounds like a Forest Gump story to me! We want our military to be the meanest group of hell raising cowboys we can stand! Stop will all the moralizing! War is hell! Fights in the barracks is normal! Give me a break! Who were you with the Air Force or Coast Guard?

Response to: Marine Wife wrote on May 18, 2007 11:08 AM: wrote on May 18, 2007 11:29 AM:You are so right! That is a real woman and real supporter of her Man! Who is a real American Marine! We don't take applications, we don't take resumes! We give you the chance to see if you have the metal to be "One of the Few!" "The Proud!" "The Marimes!" Ooh Rah! For the rest of you who don't understand what we are saying go visit you local National Cemetary!

Mars wrote on May 18, 2007 11:30 AM:If your old enough to fight for your country, then your old enough to be drinking! I did, when I was in the Navy (on the base).

Eleanor Roosevelt quote: wrote on May 18, 2007 11:33 AM:“The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!” Let them have thier BEER!

Pot and Beer are not the same wrote on May 18, 2007 11:34 AM:Difference is that pot has some socially redeeming value as a medicinal herb. Furthermore pot is not dangerous, beer has proven to be deadly. If the 18 year old kids are dumb enough to join the military they they are dumb enough to drink alcohol.

How about this wrote on May 18, 2007 11:57 AM:To sick and tired of it. It is called service because they volunteer to do what the government of this fine country tells them to do. Period. The fact that the people we put in power don't always do the right thing isn't the soldiers fault. It is our fault for electing them. That's the way our system works. It isn't a very good system but I think it's the best humans have been able to come up with so far. To the troops I would say, have a drink on me.

Wife of Marine, Mother of College student wrote on May 18, 2007 11:59 AM:I would be more concerned about the heavy drinking that goes on regularly on college campuses across the country. My son's dorm is filled with cases of beer bottles and vomit all over the bathrooms after a weekend of partying.I would say Marines are more responsible than your average college student.

To Sick and Tired wrote on May 18, 2007 12:00 PM:These young men (for whatever reasons, noble or not) took an oath to protect and serve this country. It didn't have a waiver in it that said "only if sick and tired agrees". Whether you like it or not, WE sent them to Iraq. While you may not like the politics, it doesn't change the fact that they are SERVING the United States in the manner WE asked them to. I am not a believer in our war on Iraq, but those men who are honoring their commitment to the service of this country, deserve our respect for doing so. These young men, are not boys, they grew up the day they joined the Service, they are not pampered kids sitting on the couch, they got a dose of real life their first day in the military and were forced into adulthood quickly. Give them the resepct they deserve, and while your at it, if they want a beer, give that to them too!

Ooh Rah! wrote on May 18, 2007 12:26 PM:The to the CMC!

There areb several groups that have an agenda! wrote on May 18, 2007 12:31 PM:The MADD group is somehow the so-called group to tell us how to live our lives! Sorry yu lost your child to a drunk driver! Don't confuse you misguided anger and frustration with those who drive drunk with those who like to drink a beer! Get off you high horse! Move on with your lives and stop making everything a cause! How about spending time with your husband and family. How about the living! Not everyone is out to drive drunk! Your on a crusade! Plus the MADD has become more of a profit making scam than what it was intentionally established to do! Not it is a political lobby group! Much like AARP, that has a very liberal agenda, that many of us didn't realize! Let the Marines have a beer! Big Deal! No I mean, who am I to tell these adult men and women if they want a beer! Did we forget a free country! This isn't Iraq ya know!

Peter 2 wrote on May 18, 2007 1:03 PM:The twenty-sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution lowered the voting age to 18, Subsequent changes to states’ laws gave those having attained the age of 18 all legal rights of majority. Of course, in that time if you were not continuing your formal education after graduation from high school and you were 18, most parents expected you to get a job and move out on your own. In most states you could at least buy beer or wine, but since then with the encouragement of groups like MADD the federal government blackmailed states into raising the drinking age. Though there are certainly some that drink irresponsibly, by a large margin the majority of those that drink to not become alcoholics and would not pose the risk of accidents if the consumption of alcohol could be in the vicinity of their residences. Most of the population lives in urban areas where zoning ordinances prevent the existence of the neighborhood pub. Camp Pendleton is doing the right thing, by allowing those under 21 who mostly live in the barracks to have a drink in what is basically their home. When that privilege was taken away from them several years ago it was not long after that Officer Linen of the CHP was killed when a 20 year old Marine returning from drinking off-base collided with his cruiser while the officer was dealing with a vehicle he had stopped.

Elizabeth wrote on May 18, 2007 1:13 PM:I don't know what I think about this.. but when I first read it my initial reaction was not a positive one. I agree with what others have said on here, that the Marine Corps should be held accountable for any alcohol-related problems that occur as a result of reducing the drinking age for Marines to 18. I know being in combat stresses out our servicemen and women, but if they are going to be allowed to break the law for drinking, I'm more than sure some Marines will abuse the privilege in more ways than one. What if they start buying alcohol for other underaged people that aren't in the service but are visiting their servicemember on base during an occasion? I know they should be allowed to celebrate and let loose for a while upon returning home from a deployment, but lowering their standards in general outside of that will not bring the kind of results they're hoping for. I hope they keep a close eye on this because if they don't, most people will abuse this right because they'll use being a Marine as an excuse for drinking underage.. something doesn't quite fit in here..

Freedom isn't Free wrote on May 18, 2007 1:37 PM:Setting arbitrary age limits for drinking is not an example of freedom. It's just another example of how the religious wrong sets restrictive rules for us to follow.

Ben Franklin wrote on May 18, 2007 1:37 PM:Beer is proof that god wanted us to be happy. -Ben Franklin

sd_hog wrote on May 18, 2007 1:38 PM:Anyone whom knows the laws of the military can tell you the Marine base is a military reservation and the Commander of that reservation can do what ever he wants. Much like the Indians have say over their reservations. When you as a civilian enter a Military reservation you are under the laws of the Commander of that base. I would be careful while on a military compound the laws are different. I am no expert but I do know there is a big difference.

I hope I don't get hit by an 18 year old drunk driver! wrote on May 18, 2007 2:05 PM:More drinking leads to more accidents, which leads to more injury and deaths.

I hope I don't get hit by an 18 year old drunk driver! wrote on May 18, 2007 2:07 PM:More drinking leads to more accidents, which leads to more injury and deaths.

old enough to serve... wrote on May 18, 2007 2:32 PM:if they are old enough to serve they are old enough to drink, raise the age to serve to 21 majority rules!!!! you can trust them with a gun but not a beer? they are old enough when it comes to laying down their life for you.

It Ain't Pretty wrote on May 18, 2007 2:53 PM:I haven't read one good reason to allow the Marines at Pendleton to break the law. Old enough to fight...just doesnt make it. The legal age to drink, (in your own home or out of it makes No Difference)...is 21 because the majority of young people under that age are totally unable to handle it. Not their fault, they are still children emotionally and physiologically. I know first hand that 18, 19, and 20 year olds and probably many up to 24 or 25 get crazy when they drink and their testosterone poisoning gets worse. I agree college drinking is just as bad, so don't copy that failed model.

IT DOESN'T wrote on May 18, 2007 4:32 PM:Break California law NCT! Military bases are FEDERAL property, NOT CALIFORNIA. Do some research before you try to harrass the overworked California Attorney General's office employees. Jeez, get an educated research staff, will ya?

Stupid 18 year old drunks? wrote on May 18, 2007 4:38 PM:Are they going to have everyone do a breathalizer when they leave base or enter any of the on-base neighborhoods with kids? This is beyond stupid.

Enlisting makes you an adult? wrote on May 18, 2007 4:45 PM:Huh? I grant you that many enlist for noble reasons. But once in the military, they become subservient to the rules of the military, they are brow-beaten into great shape, great loyalty, complete obedience to authority, and an amazing willingness to kill and to sacrifice themselves for others. But does this make them adults? On the contrary, they sound like they become MORE childlike in every way except in physique. They are absolved from most decision-making, are strictly herded by people and rules, they don't have to plan much, they just have to obey orders. Other countries have learned what obediant soldiers children make. Ours start at 18. What this has to do with making them adults, I have no clue.

to Response to wrote on May 18, 2007 4:48 PM:Sorry, dude: you sound like a lunatic. You are not winning respect with your posts. But perhaps they are making people realize that Marines maybe shouldn't be allowed to drink at any age. It's pretty pathetic.

DUI on Base wrote on May 18, 2007 5:13 PM:Bad enough they are underage drinking on the Base. Who is going to check sobriety as they try to drive OFF Base? Are these Marines going to enter City streets under the influence? NOT A GOOD IDEA!

Respons to response to Warner wrote on May 18, 2007 5:48 PM:Fights in the barracks does not win wars, or prove you are tough. It just shows how unprofessional , ignorant , and unaware you are of how our U.S. military functons. Drinking should not be encouraged in the military.

Be Responsible wrote on May 18, 2007 6:04 PM:These young men & women are willing to lay down their lives for our country. As long as they are on base, not driving, and being responsible for their actions, I have no problem with them being able to have a drink or two. I'd be more than happy to buy them one! Thanks for all you do. Cheers!

Richard wrote on May 18, 2007 6:36 PM:What these young men and women are old enough to die for us but not old enough to have a drink. This is the right thing to do for our young heroes.

Jaycee wrote on May 18, 2007 6:59 PM:To the people who think this is wrong; either change the enlistment age to 21, or lower the drinking age to 18. For goodness sakes; these lads are fighting for us, and yet they can't drink alcohol? Maybe we are guilty of using child soldiers!!

Floyd wrote on May 18, 2007 7:15 PM:How do you encourage a teenager to drink beer? By prohibiting it! Lower the drinking age to 18 and make homework illegal! Not only will beer lose it's allure, but they'll be more intelligent as well!

Mrs.P wrote on May 18, 2007 9:38 PM:Underage drinking has always occured on and off base. When I was on AD and at a platoon function the saying was, "If you get in trouble, I wasn't the one who bought it for you. You're on your own. Just be responsible and don't get caught." The law is for special occasions, like the Marine Corps Birthday. If they are stupid enough to drive after drinking, then they will pay the consequences whether they are on or off base. How many Weddings have you been to where there is underage drinking going on? Stop being hypocrites. Let these guys relax and have a beer or two. Underage drinking is everywhere. If I can die for my country, let me have a drink. My husband is still on AD and the saying is still the same. Give these guys a break and salute them for serving their country especially if you don't have the balls to do it. Maybe next time you are in a bar sitting next to a military man or woman, buy them a beer and tell them thanks for keeping you... safe!

Balz Afire wrote on May 19, 2007 7:01 AM:Mrs. P you go ahead and talk nasty it doesn't improve your logic or pursuasiveness. Go pour another beer and see how far it gets you.

Recollection wrote on May 19, 2007 7:03 AM:The soldiers who raped the young lady in Iraq and murdered her and her family and set fire to the house, started out by having a few beers.

Alex wrote on May 19, 2007 9:42 AM:The new rule allows for the use, not the abuse of alcohol. When Vietnam veterans ran the Marine Corps you could drink at the enlisted club if you were old enough to have graduated from boot camp. The proud tradition of success in battle since 1775 included the use of alcohol. Marines smoked cigarettes, chewed tobacco and even had Playboy foldouts displayed in their lockers. We are working hard to spread freedom across the globe - maybe we should take some of the filters off of freedom here at home. Those filters weren�t put in place by terrorists or foreign governments.

Alex wrote on May 19, 2007 9:50 AM:The new rule allows for the use, not the abuse of alcohol. When Vietnam veterans ran the Marine Corps you could drink at the enlisted club if you were old enough to have graduated from boot camp. The proud tradition of success in battle since 1775 included the use of alcohol. Marines smoked cigarettes, chewed tobacco and even had Playboy foldouts displayed in their lockers. We are working hard to spread freedom across the globe - maybe we should take some of the filters off of freedom here at home. Those filters weren’t put in place by terrorists or foreign governments. Alex USMC '79-'99 Port Hadlock, WA

More recollections wrote on May 19, 2007 10:51 AM:The infamous "tail hook parties" were another example of military men being unable to conduct themselves after abusing alcohol. Alcohol, cigarettes, pot and pornography have little to do with raising the moral and ethical behavior of the troops, and certainly doesn’t prepare them to go off to a Muslim nation.

Matt wrote on May 19, 2007 3:01 PM:This law makes no difference. All Marines drink. When I went to my first Marine Corps Ball my PLT SGT was handing out beer to all of us. Even though half of the PLT was underage.

To Sick and Tired. wrote on May 19, 2007 7:05 PM:I also "Served" this country and if I want to drink I will. I think your jealous because either you didn't want to serve or you hate the military, but deep down inside you wish you did serve. I think you envy us. But then again, I could be wrong. I'll give you this much credit, at least you didn't blame illegal aliens for this.

Drinking on Base wrote on May 19, 2007 7:14 PM:I was in the military and I have news for you. Underage service men were always drinking. It was no secret, only reason why the got in trouble was becasue they did something stupid and attracted attention. I remember most of the underage guys I knew, drank alcohol. So I don't see it as a big deal.

John wrote on May 19, 2007 7:20 PM:Those that drink ought to show they can be responsible by NOT DRIVING after doing so! I am a counselor in a DUI Program in Orange County, and the number of USMC clients we are getting has SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED! If the numbers of USMC clinets at my facility DROPS, then I will believe that there is "responsible drinking" occurring from Marines, regardless of their age. Let's see Marines PROVE they CAN BE RESPONSIBLE by NOT drinking and driving regardless of how old they are drinking at!

Freedom wrote on May 19, 2007 7:35 PM:No one is promoting or defending the abuse of alcohol. It is un-American to divide people into groups of first and second class citizens. 18-20 year old adults should be able to legally use alcohol weather they are in the Armed Forces or not.

Ex USAF wrote on May 19, 2007 11:41 PM:I remember vividly getting up in the morning in the barracks and seeing "lifers" shaving in the bathroom, cigarette in mouth, hung over, barely able to stand, because they would spend all their time and money at the NCO club. That cured me of any idea that the military was responsible. They knew. They didn't care.

Its So Wrong wrote on May 20, 2007 10:18 AM:I hope the recruiters who stalk our high school students, are using the under aged drinking as an inducement to get kids to sign up.

Its so wrong wrote on May 20, 2007 8:34 PM:I meant AREN'T

?? wrote on May 21, 2007 1:10 PM:This is not the legalization by the USMC of under age drinking on base for under 21 Marines. This is to say that on special occasions it is authorized to consume alcohol at specific functions like the Marine Corps Ball and when returning home from Iraq. They are risking their lives, they should be able to share a beer with their fellow Marines. This is also a regulation that is going into effect ONLY for the Marine Corps, not the other 3 services.

?? wrote on May 21, 2007 1:15 PM:This is not the legalization by the USMC of under age drinking on base for under 21 Marines. This is to say that on special occasions it is authorized to consume alcohol at specific functions like the Marine Corps Ball and when returning home from Iraq. They are risking their lives, they should be able to share a beer with their fellow Marines. This is also a regulation that is going into effect ONLY for the Marine Corps, not the other 3 services.

Jon wrote on May 22, 2007 5:22 AM:Lets see ,we expect an 18 year old to go into combat and maby get his butt shot off, but we wont let the guy or girl have a beer or ten, whats next, no smokeing .Who dreams up this garbage?

Can't Meet Low Standards wrote on May 22, 2007 7:32 AM:I bet a lot of these comments are from people who allowed underaged drinking parties for their children and gave other peoples children alcohol and endangered their lives. The rest of the pro booze comments from teen agers themselves. I don't care about "special occassions" What part of illegal don't you understand.

to Jon wrote on May 22, 2007 8:47 AM:No Smoking! That is an excellent idea. I didnt know that they were allowed to smoke. Why should we invest in their training and getting them into top condition while they are smoking which cuts their lung capacity, making them short winded and having less stamina. Also if they get health care benefits, we are setting ourselves up for expensive long term care when they get cancer, emphasema or heart disease.

Hey, recollection! wrote on May 22, 2007 10:19 AM:Yeah, I know what you mean: I had a beer with lunch yesterday, and got so fired up I went out and robbed a bank, shot up with heroin, killed three babies, and...um, LITTERED, yeah, I littered with INTENT. And I kicked a dog, too. And I'm 58! Think of what a 19 year old Marine would do! Terrifying. Alcohol leads directly to criminal violence every time, everyone knows it. Why do they let me drink again and again and again? MAKE ME STOP!! Thank you.

RobertM wrote on May 22, 2007 10:32 AM:When I was at Camp Pendleton in the eighties the drinking age was 18. This was done to prevent Marines from going to Tijuana to drink and then drive back to base. If they could drink near the barracks it was a short walk home and to bed and fewer lives were lost to drunk drivers.

Thinking Outside the Box wrote on May 23, 2007 6:17 AM:This is obviously an UNETHICAL recruitment tool. Has the Marine Corps given up on leadership, guidance and the enforcement of CORPS VALUES?

MAJORITY wrote on May 23, 2007 3:24 PM:The 26th Amendment of the U. S. Constitution (1971) sets the minimum age to vote as 18. In California and 44 other states one is considered an adult and of age at age 18. So the business about "underage" drinking refers only to California law setting the minimum age to consume alcohol as 21. It seems incongrous to draft (when there was a draft) people at age 18, allow them to vote at age 18, send them into combat at age 18, rate them legally as adults at age 18 and yet not allow them to consume alcohol at age 18! I belive Federal law requires states to have a minimum age of 21 to consume alcohol or they lose federal highway funds. So how the Marine Commandant can flout that law is odd.

Hey Eric wrote on May 23, 2007 9:42 PM:The next time you get the urge to post your anti-Marine trash; 5/18, 10:22 am, please have the courage to use a recognizable handle. Mike America

Lywana wrote on May 30, 2007 11:20 AM:About the Marine's that is sad to celebrate using alcohol when we try to teach to obey the laws of the land and zero tolerance for underage drinking. My son was in the USAf and had a simular incident happen but guess what once the word was out he had to go..What are we telling The USA it is okay for them to break the law and you can't.... What about those that have high risk to become addicts/ this is an open invitation to trouble and all kinds of cause and effects. Not only are we sending our young men and women to fight wars but to now Saying No with the added pressure to drink. Those that are not dealinfg well with stress and drink may have a hard time putting it down once they do. Shame on the marine and the rest. Hope fuly more is looked it to it. My family was harded by the service and drinking. Just one more cover up. I still love our troops though no matter what!

Jason wrote on Jun 11, 2007 12:48 PM:I'd like too point out two things. First, MCB Camp Pendleton is not a part of California. It is a Federal Military Installation and is not subject to State Laws, so it is NOT illegal to drink on base at 18 if the Base Commander says it is allowed. Secondly, the new order only applies to special events, such as the Marine Corps Ball, Mess Night, or Welcome Home BBQ's/Get Togethers. These are highly regulated events where Marines are shuttled from barracks to event and back in bus and there are numerous sober Marine's on duty for safety purposes. This is not a free for all lower the drinking age. Underage Marines will not be able to purchase alcohol on base, nor drink in the barracks, clubs, etc. This is a highly controlled situation we are talking about here. Also, high intoxication at a Marine Corps event is a swift path to trouble with your superiors. The bottom line is that these Marines are very carefully supervised with the utmost proffessionalism we all expect from the Marines. This regulation will permit the 18 yr old Marine to drink a possible 3 times a year at most. Ask yourself a question, what would you rather have: a group of underage Marine's drinking in a highly regulated and supervised environment on base when they are fresh out of combat - or piling into a car to drive out into town and drink, possibly endangering their lives and others lives? We have been leading Marines for a long time, and we know what we are doing. Please let us do our jobs. I don't come try to tell you how to raise your children or run your family - please show us the same respect.

Chief wrote on Jun 15, 2007 8:31 PM:Dear sick and tired of it. You need a civics lesson. GIs do NOT decide where to deploy to. The military is one of several instruments of national power, and as such go where the nation sends them.

Chief wrote on Jun 15, 2007 8:37 PM:To those of you who think California law extends into a military installation, you are wrong...therfor it is NOT illegal as many of you have emotinally stated. Sorry, the laws donot say what you wished. Furthermore, alxohol is banned in the "sand-box" in deference to the laws of the nations we are deployed in. Been there.

Proud Marine parent wrote on Jun 18, 2007 11:03 AM:If an 18 year old is too young to drink, then he or she is too young to point a gun at someone and kill them... Raise the enlistment age so that our children don't have to sacrifice their lives for the sorry drunks in the 50's and 60's and 70's who sit at home harshly judging them. And to the pathetic individual "Sick and Tired of It" who said " I do not accept that fighting in Iraq in any way serves me or the United States of America. " ... Our young Marines DO NOT pick where they go nor whom they fight. The simply chose to serve as they are instructed.

marine wrote on Jul 23, 2007 2:16 PM:We’re expected to fall on grenades and catch bullets for our country if needed, but we can’t buy a beer. Or, "I can vote for the leader of the nation, and can choose my representation in Congress, but I can’t choose to drink." What about, "I’m allowed every other "vice" legal in this country (smoking, gambling, pornography), so why not beer, too?" And, "I can choose to sentence a man to die through the power of a jury I may be assigned to, but I can’t choose to drink."

marine4life wrote on Aug 25, 2007 1:45 AM:It's not like they are saying they can drink on base all the time. It is on special occasions. I did four years in the Marine Corps. Marines that don't even know eachother look out for eachother. Marines take care of other Marines! We are talking about occasions where there are senior enlisted Marines there! I am sure that alternate means of transportation could very well be provided at these special occasions. Plus an 18 year old in the military does not have the same mentality as someone that isn't in the military. You grow up so much faster and have more of an appreciation for life. So don't under estimate them!

JohnnyUriah wrote on Aug 29, 2007 7:23 AM:I agree with the guy above me. I am 18 years old and i leave for Marine Corps bootcamp in October. I don't know anything about living on a base yet, but i would have to say if these people are willing to risk their lives to protect your freedom, then they should be able to drink a beer if they choose. These are not civilians, they are Marines.

Krystene wrote on Oct 9, 2007 10:17 AM:When you turn eighteen you are suddenly granted a list of privileges and rights. A few which include the right to smoke, vote, get married, and die for your country. However, even though you are considered an ?adult? there are still many things that you are still prevented from doing. This includes (but not limited to) drinking. Personally I find it extremely odd that you can die for your country however, you cannot go into a bar and order a drink. Many of whom that I have talked to about drinking while in the military have said that either their commanding officer allowed them to drink just so long as they do not come the next day hung over, or that there was a bar on base that allowed under aged individuals to drink. Just so long as they finished all duties from the day and followed the rules. Those rules were that no one could not leave the bar with a drink, could not bring anything in, and they had to walk there. So that way they did not drive drunk back to the barracks. I have found that it is a consensus among most people that under-aged individuals who are actively in the military should be allowed to drink alcohol. After visiting five different websites where the question was asked ?should under aged men and women in the military be allowed to have a beer?? I looked over one hundred responses and found that 76% of them said that they should be allowed to have a drink. I even came across a bill that was brought up in 2005 that fought for this particular topic...I think someone who has served their country should get an exemption. They should be punished for a DUI, however, in military court which would be much more severe. No excuse to get behind the wheel if you are impaired.? I completely agree with the idea to allow any military individual that is under the legal age of drinking to be allowed to purchase alcohol. When they take it too far however, I also agree that punishing them in military court is and excellent idea. They are given a privilege they should not walk all over it. I concluded with the thought that only under-aged military personal should be allowed to drink rather than just lowering the drinking age because there still are the extremely strong reasons as to why the age was raised the first place. Among young individuals there were more vicious attacks, rapes, and drunk driving incidents. Also, according to Safe&Sober who brings up a great argument that ?Why should 99% get benefits because of the one percent who risk their lives"? However, there are also a few other ideas that were introduced such as Weintraut?s statement ?Something is very wrong with a situation in which a person is considered responsible enough to fight and possibly die for this country but is not trusted enough to drink in it. Though there is no way a government can justify this policy, I am not necessarily advocating a lower drinking age. One solution would be to make the age of legal adulthood 21 for these other activities. If government says individuals aren?t old enough to take part in a legal act, then don?t call them adults?. There are flaws with this idea however, that if they raised the adulthood law then military would lose most of their recruits; which could inevitably lead to drafting. There were also other suggestions that were tossed out such as "alcohol curfew" basically restricting any person from purchasing or consuming any alcohol during certain times of day and most of the night. This could work if we wanted to go back in time to the Prohibition. Toboth states that ?Simply hiding the problem doesn't prevent them from occurring?. If we were to create an ?alcohol curfew? then people would be stocking up alcohol in their homes and drinking heavily at home, which would increase the rate of home violence and think about the homes that children would be growing up in. Think about it don?t you want something more when it is taken away and you are told you cannot have it or you have to follow ?rules?? Not to say that my argument does not have flaws, but it is like a reward and a sign or respect to these individuals. Basically saying ?you are doing this for your country; let your country do something for you. We are going to allow you to do something legally that people your age are not allowed?. Now I am not saying that we should display it as a reward in the sense that hey join the military and you too can drink. But if people are joining just so they can drink then wow what kind of morals did they grow up with?-

Paul wrote on Oct 19, 2007 10:30 AM:I am in the ARMY and would love to have a drink in my country that I serve. I am only 17 but have graduated B.C.T and still am not allowed to have a drink at a bar but am on call to give my life in a war. Or perhaps go to war and kill or be killed and still not be given the respect to have a drink. Guess thats just the way this fine country has to be.