Posted on Jul 22, 2015
LCDR Deputy Department Head
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In countries that require military service, what should constitute a legitimate exception if anything?

http://espn.go.com/golf/story/_/id/13300930/sang-moon-bae-leaving-pga-tour-fulfill-military-service-native-south-korea

My personal thought is that other jobs that are in service to the country should be considered.
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MAJ Jim Steven
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I agree with you. There are some opportunities where you are going to do more / reach a larger audience.
Funny, sometimes, we let a stellar soldier go to another unit or school as it is good for their professional development, but we will not alway let a Academy football player go pro....
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LCDR Deputy Department Head
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MAJ Jim Steven That's actually a very interesting comparison, and you're right. I have never prevented a good Sailor from going to a special program, but I would probably vote against letting an academy player go pro. Is that a misunderstanding on my part? Very well could be.

I think that in some instances we may benefit more from letting him go pro. A whole lot of people will see that athlete and hear he came from the service academy. Heck he will probably even advertise for us without thinking about it.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
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MAJ Jim Steven LCDR (Join to see) to tie into your conversation, we actually have a few folks who served in Reserve Capacity who were Academy Grads. David Robinson of the Spurs is a notable example. Although his height may have played a huge role in this as well.
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LCDR Deputy Department Head
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS - MAJ Jim Steven That's actually who I was thinking of. I am sure there are others as well.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
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Whatever the requirement is, that is the requirement.

We harp on the "standard" being the standard. If military service is the standard, that's the standard. If it is military service OR public service, that's the standard.

Though I can agree with either of those, when a standard is established, we stick to it or we risk "lowering the bar." That is not to say we shouldn't revisit the standard occasionally. We should always evolve, however we should not make exceptions. Evolving is good, exceptions is playing favorites. Exceptions or favorites show there is not really a standard.
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LCDR Deputy Department Head
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS Well said. I agree that an exception does lead to room for more exceptions. I also definitely wasn't implying that professional sports should be an exception. Your point about revisiting standards is important to make sure we don't keep a requirement that becomes irrelevant.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
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LCDR (Join to see) I didn't think you were. I figured you were just using him as an example, and he just happened to be a sports player.
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LCDR Deputy Department Head
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Exactly, I just wanted to be clear since it isn't a stance I was trying to take.
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1SG Senior Enlisted Advisor
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Golf is a completely legitimate reason not to serve, right? Ok, maybe not. I do love golf but since I'm not that good, I guess i will just continue to serve.
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