i came of age as the vietnam war was ending and the united states constutional amendment to lower the voting/legal responsibility age was being passed in the mid 1970s. the same argument was used to lower the drinking age ( old enough to serve, should be able to buy a beer...), but afterwards a lot of late teenagers proved to be irresponsible and stupid; too many drank, drove, hurt others and died; the alcohol purchase age was raised. only fools/morons/idiots drink and drive, but they can leave alot of pain and tears behind them. i think if you're on active duty, you should be able to buy alcohol. anyone who drinks and drives should be strongly punished, regardless of age.