[mountainbunny]

Next, it is perfectly reasonable to say that a 17 year old is mature enough to fight at 17 but not to vote, because they are two entirely different things. If there is one thing 17 year olds know how to do, it is fight. But how many of them have the wisdom and experience to understand which way the country should go on an issue?

The wisdom comes when it comes time to decide whether or not to serve and possibly die. If the 17 year old (substitute 18 year old, per the article), is too childish to understand voting, then I would argue that they are too immature and childish to comprehend the weight of their decision to join in the first place.

Being physically capable of fighting is one thing. Being mentally capable is another. Soldiers need both. If they have both, let them vote.

[fr_freak]

Being physically capable of fighting is one thing. Being mentally capable is another. Soldiers need both. If they have both, let them vote.

Yes, and very few of them arrive at basic training with both capabilities. The military takes them, shocks them for months and drills them daily just to get them to where they are soldier enough to do their jobs. Then, afterward, if God forbid they should go into combat, that's when they REALLY learn to fight. It does not happen the moment you make the decision to sign up. It happens months or years later. That is why veterans: yes, newbies: no.