Hawaii Senate Bill SCR12

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/30/23

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, this resolution would encourage the military to reconsider their enlistment policies and potentially lead to a shift in how young adults are prepared for combat roles. By raising the minimum age for combat service, advocates believe that recruits will be given more time for training and personal development, thereby enhancing their readiness for the complex situations faced in the field. The proposal underscores the importance of mental maturity in making life-or-death decisions, suggesting that current policies may inadequately address this aspect.

Summary

SCR12 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution urging the United States Congress to raise the minimum age for military combat service to twenty-one years. The bill highlights the developmental differences in adolescents' brains, noting that the prefrontal cortex, which governs important decision-making abilities such as impulse control and understanding long-term consequences, is not fully developed until the mid-twenties. Therefore, the resolution argues that younger recruits may lack the requisite judgment to cope with the high-stakes environment of military combat.

Contention

While the resolution advocates for a positive adjustment in military policy, it may also encounter pushback from those who argue that such a change could limit recruitment and the opportunities for young individuals eager to serve their country. The balance between ensuring that recruits are mentally prepared for combat versus the timing of enlistment opportunities will likely prompt further discussion among stakeholders, including military officials and lawmakers.

Notable_points

SCR12 does not carry any legislative weight by itself but serves to bring attention to the issues surrounding military recruitment and the age of combatants. Its passage through the legislature reflects a growing concern regarding youth's capability in high-pressure environments. The potential implications extend to refining military training protocols and enlistment practices, encouraging a more nuanced perspective on military readiness and the developmental stage of young adults.