Posted on Dec 14, 2013
1LT Infantry Officer
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I have some seniors beating me over the head to cheer for the Army in this match up and I seriously can't get myself to do so. 
Our team is pretty bad, we've continuously lost these engagements in the past decade, we haven't had a winning record in decades, and I just can't connect future cherry 2LTs who play football it to my espirit de corps.
Edited 11 y ago
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1SG(P) First Sergeant
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Edited 11 y ago
If it were an All-Army team vs. All-Navy team; i.e. teams of players recruited from across the ranks of actual service-members, not just cadets vs. midshipmen; then I would care.
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CPT Physical Therapist
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10 y
But it's College Football, not necessarily truly Army Vs. Navy. Would you want Alabama and Oregon to ask their populace to contribute to their team?
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1SG(P) First Sergeant
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10 y
Sir, yes it's college football. However, I don't feel the USMA represents all soldiers as well as All-Army sports, which recruits both officers and enlisted. All-Army sports have teams which compete in many of the same fields as the academies' NCAA teams to include basketball, but not football. The cadets who play for USMA are exceptional scholar-athletes deserving of recognition for their accomplishments. But until they're commissioned or they enlist, they aren't soldiers in my eyes. I'm not suggesting USMA and USNA include enlisted folks on their teams. Just don't try to get me excited about a bunch of guys, albeit bright and dedicated, who're getting paid to go to school and who I doubt would play as well as a team recruited from across the Army's deep pool of talent.
http://www.armymwr.com/recleisure/sportsandfitness/all_army_sports.aspx
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SFC 1st Sergeant
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Not a football fan, could not care less. 

OTOH, the "Best Ranger Competition" thats a different story.
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CPT Company Commander
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I tried and now I regret it.
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SPC Julio Delvalle
SPC Julio Delvalle
11 y
GOT BETTER THING TO DO.
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MAJ Joseph Parker
MAJ Joseph Parker
11 y

Young 2LT Eric R.: Your feelings are perfectly understandable.  This is the Army team and they lost.


I am USMA class of 1975 and I'll tell you why I cheer the team on. They are the Army team and 11 young men go onto the field to essentially fight a battle. Perhaps they are smaller in size, poorly coached, whatever, but they still have to go onto the field and do it; win-lose-draw. They play their heart out and don't quit. Very shortly many will be on the battlefield in places like COP Keating, Restrepo, the Argonne. They may be outnumbered, poorly coached, whatever. Tell you what: They won't quit and they won't abandon their men. It's only a football game to colleges, but these are OUR guys. I'll always back them and every other Army/military unit. Yeah, it's just a game and fun to woof with the Navy guys. In my humble opinion; soldiers recognize the character trait of loyalty in their officers when we speak positively about military issues, even the Army-Navy Game. I love soldiers! With positive leadership they do great things.   


Again, just the humble opinion of this officer.   

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