Hawaii Senate Bill SCR39

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/22
• Refer: 3/11/22

Caption

Urging The United States Congress To Raise The Minimum Age For Military Combat Service To Twenty-one Years Of Age.

Impact

The resolution suggests that raising the minimum age to twenty-one would not only align enlistment policies with neurological understanding but would also provide military services the opportunity to better prepare recruits through additional training. This approach is intended to help young recruits become more effective leaders in challenging combat situations, ensuring they are better equipped to confront the realities of war, such as the risks of injury, capture, or death.

Summary

SCR39 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from Hawaii urging the United States Congress to raise the minimum age for military combat service to twenty-one years. The resolution emphasizes that young adults are currently eligible for enlistment at the age of eighteen, but developmental neuroscience suggests that the human brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex which handles decision-making and impulse control, does not fully mature until approximately twenty-five years of age. Thus, the resolution argues that allowing younger individuals to participate in combat roles may not be appropriate given their cognitive development.

Contention

Although this resolution seeks to establish a protective measure for young recruits, there may be varying opinions on such a change. Supporters of the resolution may argue that it prioritizes the well-being and preparedness of young soldiers, while opponents could contend that raising the age limit might reduce recruitment numbers during times of military need. Overall, the discussions around SCR39 highlight the balance between military readiness and the cognitive capacities of younger soldiers.