Some People Believe Those Under 21 Serving In The Military
Some People Believe Those Under 21 Serving In The Military Should Be A
Some people believe those under 21 serving in the military should be allowed to drink alcohol even if non-military citizens are not. Yet, the “founding fathers” of the United States of America clearly believed the military should serve the people rather than the other way around. Write a 2 to 3 page, APA style paper, arguing why military personnel should or should not receive rights and/or liberties not afforded to non-military citizens. In the paper, include the opposing position along with your rebuttal (of that opposing position). For instance, if you wrote a paper arguing that military personnel should receive rights not afforded to non-military citizens (and why), then the rebuttal would be that military personnel should not receive rights not afforded to non-military citizens (and why).
Paper For Above instruction
The debate over whether military personnel should be granted certain rights and liberties not available to non-military citizens is a complex issue rooted in historical principles, legal implications, and ethical considerations. This paper examines both sides of the argument, with particular focus on the age restrictions for alcohol consumption among military service members under age 21, and evaluates the underlying philosophies that influence policy decisions. Ultimately, the aim is to determine whether extending certain rights, such as alcohol consumption, aligns with the moral and constitutional foundations of American democracy.
Introduction
The United States has a long-standing tradition of balancing individual liberties with national security interests. The question of whether service members under the age of 21 should be granted rights such as alcohol consumption hinges on various factors including age restrictions, military discipline, and societal values. While some argue that military personnel deserve the same liberties as civilians, others contend that the unique responsibilities of military service justify differentiated rights. This debate echoes larger philosophical and constitutional debates about individual freedoms versus state authority.
Arguments Supporting Extended Rights to Military Personnel
Proponents of granting under-21 service members the right to drink alcohol argue that military personnel are adults who voluntarily assume significant responsibilities. They contend that denying such rights creates an unfair double standard between civilians and service members, especially given that many soldiers engage in risky and demanding tasks. Furthermore, supporters emphasize that the military often operates in environments where alcohol consumption occurs, such as on military bases during leave, and restricting access can be seen as an unfair infringement on personal liberty.
From a constitutional perspective, supporters invoke the principles of individual autonomy and rights to privacy and personal decision-making. The Supreme Court has historically recognized personal liberties that extend to adults, and many argue that service members should not be stripped of these rights solely due to their military status. Additionally, the “founding fathers” emphasized a government that serves the people, and this foundational principle should extend to adults in uniform, respecting their maturity and capability to make informed choices.
Arguments Opposing Extended Rights to Military Personnel
Opponents of granting such rights argue that the primary role of the military is to ensure national security and uphold discipline. Restricting alcohol consumption is viewed as a means of maintaining safety, order, and readiness among troops. The age restriction is based on the perception that young adults under 21 may lack the maturity to handle alcohol responsibly, and allowing drinking could increase risks such as accidents, misconduct, and impaired judgment during critical operations.
Moreover, critics contend that the military must uphold societal standards and laws to maintain cohesion and discipline. Allowing underage soldiers to consume alcohol could undermine military discipline and set a questionable precedent for other rights and privileges. They argue that the military, as an institution, operates under regulations that may differ from civilian life because of its unique mission, and this justifies maintaining certain restrictions to ensure effective functioning.
Rebuttal to the Opposing Position
While concerns about discipline and safety are valid, they do not justify denying all rights universally based on age or military status. Evidence suggests that responsible alcohol policies, such as designated drinking areas and education programs, can mitigate risks while respecting individual rights. Furthermore, many young adults in civilian contexts already engage in responsible drinking, and denying military personnel this privilege is inconsistent with the respect for personal agency that the Constitution advocates.
Additionally, the argument that the military must adhere to societal standards overlooks the fact that military service inherently involves accepting certain restrictions. However, these restrictions should be based on rational, evidence-based considerations rather than generalized age restrictions. Many other countries allow military personnel under 21 to drink legally without compromising military discipline, suggesting that the restriction is not solely justified by safety concerns but also by tradition rather than practical necessity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while maintaining discipline and safety is paramount in the military, denying underage service members access to certain rights such as alcohol consumption does not align with the principles of individual freedom and autonomy. Responsible policies that balance safety with personal liberties can be implemented without compromising military readiness. Recognizing the maturity and capabilities of young adults in uniform, it is reasonable to advocate for extending certain rights, such as the legal drinking age, to service members who have demonstrated responsibility and maturity.
References
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- U.S. Department of Defense. (2022). Military regulations and alcohol policy. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office.
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