I joined up at 16....still serving at 44.....It was a hard go at first but stuck with it. In the 60's it was still possible to join up as young as 15.
Basically I echo the comments made.....it's down to the individual joining up, if your not motivated you won't last......
I should add I'm talking about the Reg Force...not, hey I joined at 17 also (but what I mean is the Reserves that is, so I went home every night and toughed it at weekends here and there) which is certainly not in the same league as leaving home at a young age for the full time drama......
I'm sure many would agree, there is a difference.
AIRBORNE-CHIMO-UBIQUE