<p>This program was inititiated by LTG Lennox in 2005 as a means to bring attention to the Academy in ways that they normally would not; through the few special cases good enough to play professional sports. I do not think it is that bad of an idea as it is so hard to make it at that level and you would be dealing with such a minority. Honestly, as someone who went through USMA and has spent the last 10 months in Baghdad, I think Campbell could do a lot for the Army playing in the NFL; I know I was rooting for him and it gave something to pull for outside of the daily grind of this place.
As far as leveling the playing field, which is what I believe DoD was doing with this decision, attempting to make all academies run by the same rules, I think there are some issues there. Like it or not, and I know I’ll take heat for this, USNA and USAFA offer something to prospective cadets the USMA does not; the chance to serve their country in a position where the danger can be mitigated much more (I’m not trying to make this be a dig at any other service, but the Army has bore the brunt of the casualties for this war, the Marines being the exception, so please dont interpret what I’m saying as an attempt to say the Army is the only one doing anything in this war. That is not what I’m saying, what I’m trying to say is that, anyway you look at it, this is primarily a ground war that is being fought by the Army. The Sailors and Airmen of the Navy and Air Force do an incredible job and have in many cases changed from their trained jobs to do whatever they can to help out, which is exactly what we need, and many of them have made the ultimate sacrifice. That does not change the fact the the branch of the service taking the brunt of this war is the Army. That is something that a young athlete wanting to serve his/her country might take into consideration. Again, I do not mean to offend any of the other services and I’m sorry if I came across that way, I’m trying to simply be objective here). </p>
<p>Sadly, that policy was not in line with DoD’s policy. These things happen. What I am interested in is the case of Kyle Eckel, USNA 2005. He was drafted by the New England Patriots and he was playing right after he graduated. Does anyone have the details of his circumstances? Its seems to be very similar to LT Campbell’s here, and I’m quite interested in how it was okay for him but it’s not for Campbell.
I’ve been a staunch advocate on this site of not attending the Academy if you are not 100% dedicated to serving your country and leading Soldiers in battle. I know my support of the alternative service option deviates significantly from how I usually feel regarding the issue, and I’m trying to figure out myself just why that is. However, I feel that in the case of these FEW exceptionally talented athletes, an exception should be made. They can still serve, they can do their part trying to bring more prospective candidates into the Academy, and they can show America just how amazing USMA (or USNA or USAFA or whoever) grads really are. They can also serve as an inspiration to those on active duty who follow sports. What needs to be remembered here is that this program wasnt devised as an “out” of your contract, it was an alternative for a select few who possesed truly great talent. Anyone who wants to play professional sports would be a fool to go to an Academy if playing sports is all they wanted to do. But every once in a while, when an incredible talent comes through, I, personally, think that an exception might be in order.
Wow, that was long, sorry about that.</p>