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. :)
Sounds like this prodigy should have been working on a cure for cancer.
How did he get 2 years of college before age 17?