Not so long ago, a 15 year old unwed female was considered an old maid. Funny how the age thing evolves. No, I don't want to be on the road with a bunch of drunk 17 year olds anymore than I want to be on the road with a bunch of drunk 21+ year olds. This year's military is voluntary, but not so long ago, 17 year olds were drafted to fight in the Vietnamese jungles.....too young to drink. Again, funny how that age thing has evolved. Old enough to carry a gun and die, but no old enough to buy a pistol. I don't think your "tried as an adult" runs parallel with the "old enough to die for one's country", but I do see where you you make the argument.