Underage drinking policy not up for debate

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class DeAndre Curtiss
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  I am one of many Airman who have consumed alcohol under the age of 21. I am also one of the Airman that have been caught in the act of underage drinking or in possession of alcohol while underage and have had to face the consequences of my actions. In the Air Force, there is zero tolerance for underage drinking. 

The legal age for drinking in the United States was established by the National Minimum Drinking Act of 1984. This act establishes that the legal age for consumption of alcohol is 21 in all fifty states. This is also the Air Force's policy. 

The legal age for drinking has become a topic of ongoing debate between most U.S citizens and the government. Many citizens feel like the legal drinking age should be lowered to 18 while others support the current age. Several states are considering the option of lowering the age. 

However none of those policies reflect the Air Force's current policy and should not be used as an excuse for underage drinking. 

Even though there is talk of lowering the legal drinking age, it still remains 21. This makes all consumption of alcohol by those who are younger than 21 illegal and wrong. As for now, you can still be penalized for breaking the law, and we shouldn't be doing it. It is too large of a risk and one drink is all it takes for you to be guilty, and ruin your life or career. 

There is a large number of underage drinkers around the country and especially in Colleges and the military. Those who are legally under the age to consume alcohol generally look at it as a form of rebellion fueled by the same strong arguments, but don't let it be you or your friends getting caught in the situation. 

There is no way to police all the underage drinking that takes place but we all know that it happens. It is up to the individual to police themselves and their friends. It's all about being a good wingman and having integrity.