LDS Church Lowers Missionary Service Age (October 2012)

"I am pleased to announce that effective immediately all worthy and able young men who have graduated from high school or its equivalent, regardless of where they live, will have the option of being recommended for missionary service beginning at the age of 18, instead of age 19. I am not suggesting that all young men will—or should—serve at this earlier age. Rather, based on individual circumstances as well as upon a determination by priesthood leaders, this option is now available.

As we have prayerfully pondered the age at which young men may begin their missionary service, we have also given consideration to the age at which a young woman might serve. Today I am pleased to announce that able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of age 21."

President Monson makes historic statement concerning Missionaries being able to serve at a younger age, both Elders and Sisters

Whoa !  We were actually there for the Afternoon Session in the Conference Center with my son and his friend, she immediately called her parents and said she was going.  He is now in Washington, Tacoma and she is in Madrid Spain.

Mormon Newsroom coverage

Missionaries are serving in approximately 160 counties, with other representatives bringing the count to 185 out of the official 193 countries (95.9%)