| “It's not appropriate to release someone from a commitment because a "better offer" comes along."
From the directive I posted earlier:
“Exceptional personnel with unique talents and abilities may be released
from active duty when there is a strong expectation they will provide the Department with
significant favorable media exposure likely to enhance national recruiting or public
affairs efforts. Personnel will be expected to use their talents in a manner that generates
interest for service in the United States Armed Forces.”
As you can see this directive does not only apply to athletes (although they seem to have been the only ones to benefited to date). Any cadet/midshipman that has the potential to generate favorable publicity for the “Armed Forces” can be considered for this program. This is not only “recruiting office” and “meet and greet” impact. DoD is thinking in broader marketing terms. Advertising is expensive. This is a way to get favorable coverage (hopefully!) for the Armed Services/ Academy/ ROTC program each time the person is covered in the media. No matter how unfavorable this program may seem to be, I have to think that DoD feels that the end justifies the means from a publicity and financial point of view. I have no doubt that like every policy, it gets reviewed periodically. |