Should Military Academy athletes be able to adjust service commitments & play professionally?

Capt Brandon Charters — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 14:03:23 -0400

The USAF made a decision Thursday night, about an hour after the NFL draft started that it would not approve requests to waiver active duty military service commitments. How should the military handle athletes that have the ability to play professionally?

Response by LTC Victor Badami made Apr 29 at 2017 2:26 PM

LTC Victor Badami — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 14:26:14 -0400

NO!

Response by CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR made Apr 29 at 2017 2:33 PM

CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 14:33:27 -0400

I agree that they should not approve waivers to play professionally it will open up a can of worms. The military made an investement and it is part of their succession plan to man the force.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Apr 29 at 2017 2:36 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 14:36:11 -0400

If they were to repay the full cost of their attendance, I'd be okay with it. I'd actually prefer that approach over giving them preferential assignments near their team or curtailing active duty commitments to enable them to pursue professional sports (both of which has happened).

Response by Maj John Bell made Apr 29 at 2017 2:41 PM

Maj John Bell — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 14:41:36 -0400

Response by LTC Orlando Illi made Apr 29 at 2017 3:05 PM

LTC Orlando Illi — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 15:05:50 -0400

NO. Their time at the Academy is to prepare them to be Officers not professional athletes. Not sure why this is even a question

Response by LT John Stammreich made Apr 29 at 2017 3:52 PM

LT John Stammreich — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 15:52:03 -0400

Service Academy grads, like myself, should be required to fulfill their commitments before playing, unless they can negotiate a special arrangement beneficial to the USG, such as extended recruiting activities or other tasks.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Apr 29 at 2017 5:01 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 17:01:50 -0400

If the pro team covers the full cost of attendance, then yes. For example, the Army would be better off with an upstanding pro player who speaks highly of the Army and its values to millions of people on TV, than if that person were just another lieutenant. Losing one lieutenant doesn't matter.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2017 6:28 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 18:28:07 -0400

If they get a degree at expense of US, they need to fulfill their obligation before entering pro sports. Only variation would be if they repay all monies and I'm still not good with that idea. It sets a bad example and redefines the concept of commitment. If their goal was pro sports then they should not have attended an Academy. If they want to go pro after serving their obligation that's their choice.

Response by Capt James Emmitt made Apr 30 at 2017 1:01 PM

Capt James Emmitt — Sun, 30 Apr 2017 13:01:04 -0400

So pro teams have always been able to buy out the time of Service Academy grads. Napoleon McCallum and David Robinson are examples. I'm David's case, he grew to exceed Navy height and weight restrictions. I know this because I watched it happen junior year when David was in my EE class. His choice was restricted line. He had wanted to be a submariner. Hard to move through the coaming at 7'. It was a better and more appropriate option for him to move on in the pros. He did a lot of good with that money.