by Jonathan Sadler

Created on: May 18, 2009

Certainly the age should be 21. Consider for a moment some of the decisions you made between the ages of 18 and 21. Think of the signficant issues whereby today you wish you had the opportunity to revisit those decisions. 18 years- a mere 18 years, and we ask these young folks to enter into a contract, the result of which could be the ultimate sacrifice.

Bless them all for what they do and the sacrifice they are prepared to make. But, do 18 year olds really understand the depth of that potential sacrifice? We don't believe they can wisely consume alcohol. For a time we didn't presume that they could wisely cast a vote. Yet we've allowed them to enter into contracts which the Military will enforce without hesitation, that could ultimately cost them everything.

Let's reconsider and let's give these young folks a few more years in which to gain an understanding of adult life and then let's allow the the chance to make such a decision. After entering college or the job market, these young people might in fact decide that a military life is one which they wish to pursue. They might seek the valuable training and skill building offered by some branches. At least then, though, they have an honest comparison.

18 year olds are too quick to jump at a cash bonus for enlistment. To and 18 year old, a new car seems to be such a wise investment, all for just committing four years of your life. Four years of your life-consider the years 31-35. Would you then want to be away from home, in a strange and dangerous place, with your children left behind. It's all relative and when you picture the scenario at different times, a four year window can grown on you.

In closing, I again thank the fine men and women of our military. They are in fact heros. They are the reason we can type our thoughts on the internet without fear of inciting some force against us. They are the reason we enjoy the freedoms that we enjoy. It is they who struggle through battles at all hours so the rest of us can lay our heads down and relax. Thank you. But, undertand that somewhere out there in the world tonight, at this very moment, is a 19 year old. That 19 year old is in harms way in ways that we couldn't understand. He or she is terrified, lonely, and missing home. They are regretting their new car and craving their old way of life. They are growing up more quickly than any of us ever imagined. They should have waited.

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