<p>I almost hate to revive this discussion - there are plenty of sides to be had here. If anyone wants to read about other’s opinions just google Caleb Campbell.</p>
<p>FWIW - here is my opinion and a few observations:</p>
<p>Any policy must stand alone on it’s own merits. I don’t agree with making or justifying a policy “because” - i.e. because USMA has sent more grads to war or lost more grads etc. Either the policy is a good one, beneficial to the Army and the needs of the Army or it’s not.
I do understand that some policies or situations occur in peacetime that are revoked in war time - that is obvious with the call up of IRR and stop loss. If anything during a time of war - it “looks bad” to have exceptions made for a select few.</p>
<p>That said -
I understand the benefits to West Point, the importance of athletics and the challenges that West Point faces.
I understand where Screaming Eagle is coming from - wanting to cheer on Campbell in his pro football career - but seriously, were you really going to become a Detroit Lions fan -
(laugh everyone - that was supposed to be funny)</p>
<p>I watched the coverage of the draft and have read some opinion pieced and blogs - most are pretty disturbing. Some reporters even suggested that since we are in an unpopular war a pro team would draft Campbel to ASSURE he would go to war. Now that’s distateful.
This policy was in effect for 2-3 years and was utilized by two baseball players and a hockey player - no one cared until the publicity with football.
While I do feel badly for Campbell that he had the rug pulled out from under him - I also feel bad for the other athletes who are being called to duty.
There is some sentiment that the DOD caved to pressure from Air Force and Navy - if this is true then I find this distasteful as well - nothing but politics.
It is wrong to make judgments about Campbell and other athletes who tok advantage of this program - athletes have a natural tendency to want to play at the top of their game - it’s part of why they are so good.<br>
I don’t think any of these men thought they could “have their cake and eat it too” - that going to West Point would blaze a trail for pro sports - these things just happen.
Unfortunately, the policy caused a backlash and there will be a backlash again with it’s revokation. Some people out there are always complaining how the “Army can’t be trusted” blah blah.
Will it affect recruiting? who knows - it will if someone is looking for someone to blame.</p>