[EBUCK]

They are able to drink at 18 on base just not hard liquor. The Marine Corps (at least while I was in) seems to even encourage it.

EBUCK

[MudPuppy]

"They are able to drink at 18 on base just not hard liquor."

that is INCORRECT.
As a former Marine and a current govt contractor that works on a Marine base I can tell you that Bases follow the state & Federal laws.
Back in the day you could drink beer & wine in NC if you were over 18 and hard liquor if you were over 21.
That rule no longer applies. Everyone has gone to a 21 yr old age limit for any alcohol.

Many Enlisted Clubs are closed and the whole Club system is shot because of this and the crackdown on drinking in the military.