Some of these children are as young as seven or eight years old. Militaries forcibly recruit or abduct children and, depending on their age and size, use them as soldiers, cooks, porters, messengers, human shields, looters, or sex slaves. The development of lighter weight, more sophisticated weapons makes it easier to use children in combat, where both boys and girls may be sent. The United States allows individuals to volunteer for the military with parental consent at age 17. Ironically, it's children's characteristics that make them desirable fighters.
Children tend to be very loyal, obedient, and more easily controlled and manipulated than adults.
To increase their tractability, military commanders have introduced children to drugs and alcohol. The casualty rate for children fighting in armed conflicts is higher than for adult combatants because of their lack of experience and training. Children who survive combat often are disabled or suffer psychological trauma from both witnessing and committing atrocities. Demobilizing children involved in armed conflicts after peace is attained and reintegrating them into society is a complex process. The United States supports UN organizations, international and nongovernmental organizations, and other partners in support of efforts to rehabilitate children involved in armed conflicts through counseling, reconciliation, reunification, education, and vocational training.