However, there is an important caveat. If you are in the military, and under 21 (but over 18), you can drink. Granted, you have to buy the alcohol on base (if I understand correctly). So yes, you can die and drink at 18, but you have to be in the military.
Incorrect, the law now is that all military personnel have to follow the state drinking laws whether you buy alcohol on or off base, the only exception is a base within 50 miles of Mexico or Canada.
DoD Instruction 1015.10 writes:
The minimum drinking age on a DoD installation located in a State (including the District of Columbia) shall be consistent with the age established by the law of that State as the State minimum drinking age. Minimum drinking age means the minimum age established for persons who may purchase, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages.
In the case of a DoD installation located in more than one State or in one State but within 50 miles of another State or Mexico or Canada, the minimum drinking age on that DoD installation shall be the lowest applicable age of the State in which the DoD installation is located or the State or jurisdiction of Mexico or Canada that is within 50 miles of such DoD installation.
The minimum drinking age on a DoD installation located outside the United States shall be 18 years of age. Higher minimum drinking age will be based on international treaties and agreements and on the local situation as determined by the local installation commander.
If drinking outside of the U.S. the drinking age for military is 18 unless ammended by a status of forces agreement (SOFA) between that country and the US.
For me, it is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring.Dr. Carl Sagan
™ Version 4.2
