Trump Orders New Policy About Military Academies, Pro Sports

Initially, we may "lose" one athlete from all five service academies, a year to a pro sport. Eventually, that may increase due to recruiting potential, but it will still be a limited amount. I actually believe the DOD/Service Academies will benefit from this policy. USNA receives free advertising every time David Robinson's name is mentioned. It shouldn't be that hard. (But politicians will probably screw it all up) This would be my plan, if a service academy graduate is drafted by a pro sports team, they get a two year waiver from obligation. If they are good enough at the pro level to make it a career (i.e. David Robinson), then they repay the gov't for academy expenses (prorated if they obligate to recruiting/advertising contracts). If they try out and are cut, they revert back to active duty and complete their original obligation. Let me ask you this, if you won the lottery (say $50 million) while you were on active duty, would you have tried to get out? I'm pretty sure I know how most will answer.

Less than 1% of the 1%....let them play sports if their abilities let them. They are recruited for sports in the 1st place. They generate revenue well past their cost of education. Let them serve in a Reserve capacity.

Who wants a cranky officer who was told they had to walk away from a lucrative career and play in the dirt. Yes, I know they go to the academies knowing they would serve, but they didn't go knowing they would be drafted by pro teams paying an insane amount, even at the league minimum. Congrats to them for excelling. I hope they have wonderful careers and remember where they came from.

No. This, if anything, helps the academies gain prospects. I think it hurts the military though. It creates yet another inconsistent standard. It also shows the military that CinC values pro sorts and the almighty dollar more than honor, commitment, and military service.

Bad move on his part, in my opinion.