I turned 16 on 26 Oct 75, and joined up on 20 Jan 76. A good friend turned 16 on 30 Dec, and we joined at the same time. Then the catch was you had to turn 17 by the yrs end if I remember right. Later I think it was changed you had to be 17 by 01 Jul of that yr. I dont know what it is now.
As for drinking, well in those days at the Regina Grn Jr's Mess, we used to get +18's to by at the mess or depending on the bartender, you were allowed a couple. I guess those days are long gone now.
Looking back now, it didnt hurt any of us, but with 'duty of care' and the rest of it now a days, blame can now be directed on the bartender and CO, etc, if there was an unfortunate incident.
Times have in deed changed.
Cheers,
Wes