It is rather well-known that 18 is a comparatively dangerous age, primarily because, with the exception of consuming alcohol and tobacco products, it marks a period of youth where one enjoys all the legal rights of adulthood in the U.S. despite the fact that most psychologists and adolescent behaviorists consider this chronological an "intermediate" period between childhood and true adulthood. This conclusion reflects the common observation that for most individuals, social and interpersonal judgment and skill both remain relatively undeveloped until the mid twenties.
Generally, the age of 18 marks a psychological period characterized by relative immaturity, particularly in complex thought processes involving behavioral choices and their consequences. This is precisely the reason that automobile insurance rates are highest for drivers under the age of 25. Likewise, the relative irresponsibility associated with alcohol and the well-documented disproportionate representation of alcohol-related driving fatalities in this age group justified the nationwide adoption of 21 as the legal age for alcohol consumption in 1980.
On one hand, lack of external motivation or direction at age 18 combined with the natural desire for independence and autonomy from parental authority makes this the period of life where young adults often make decisions harmful to themselves and take unreasonable risks. On the other hand, it is also a period of life where external direction can motivate many young adults to establish long-term vocational goals and the start of a productive future.
Certainly, military service does require personal sacrifice, but it is also associated with significant benefits, especially in the case of individuals between the age of 18 and 21.
Combined with the social benefits of compulsory military service, current geopolitical events, threats to U.S. interests worldwide and the need to maintain a minimum enlistment sufficient to support the projection of U.S. military power worldwide requires the institution of compulsory military service in the U.S.
