Yes
Second, if we're allowing employers and colleges to recruit on campus, are you contending that H.S. seniors aren't mature enough to make decisions about where they will go to work or pursue a degree, either?
Yes...I contend that the "majority" of 17 year olds in high school are very immature and have little or no idea what they want to make of their lives. They know little or nothing about consequences for their actions and need strict guidance by their parents, teachers and others of influence.
Living and growing up in small towns in Texas and Oklahoma convinces me otherwise.
I would trust most age 17 kids I've known to listen to recruiters from the military, college and potential employers, then sit down and hash their decision out with their parents.
It's not necessarily time for 17-yr olds to start making all their own decision. But it is certainly time for them to be participating in the discussion.
On the other hand, if they can't be trusted to do that at age 17, I'd wonder if they could ever be trusted...
No. Not true. I think it is 16, they may enlist WITH PARENTAL CONSENT. My eldest, with two years of college already, went in soon after 17th birthday, after a 6 month "negot" process after enlisting. And was in the second immediate quick tranch into Afghanistan. Oh yeah. it was a tough decision. Psychologically and emotionally, my eldest was ready. The problem was me. lol. I wanted to make sure my eldest understood the terms of contract with military, fully. Why? I just don't like whinings and complaints: Education up front for better decision making. My eldest did some great works in Afghanistan. :)