<p>We actually had a friend who competed to get on the Olympic team back in the 90’s. He was also the service’s winner. (The military also has high level competitions).That being said, the AF did not give him time off to train. He flew just like everyone else and used his leave days to compete…also paid for travel on his own dime, unless it was a military event. He was a long distance runner and his training was to run to the squadron (@15 miles) and he would run home after his duty day was over and run some more. He always put the service first.</p>
<p>I think there is a difference of allowing a military member to compete in the Olympics or national trials, it is a short time frame, compared to allowing anyone to reneg on their commitment for 5 yrs AD.</p>
<p>As for Josh Gracin, after coming in 4th place, he did stay stateside and was not allowed to participate in the Idol Tour. Instead the Marines did send him on a tour for recruiting purposes. He was horably discharged after fulfilling his committment. </p>
<p>To me that’s the whole point, American Idol could have try to buy out his contract, and they very well may have tried to, but the Marines said no. The Marines didn’t allow him to do the tour, instead he was used as a recruitment tool. What’s good for the goose must be good for the gander. We have to keep the policy the same to maintain good order. Where would you draw the line? Is it athletics? IS it $$$? What happens to the Atlete who is recruited for the Yankees, but they send him to the minors 1st, should they be allowed to leave? Do the Yankees have to sign a contract that they will guarantee he plays in the majors for 5 yrs? What if he can’t cut in the majors, does he now have to fulfill the time left on his obligation…remember it is a sport, he could injure himself in the 1st game bad enough to ruin his career, but not bad enough to Medically DQ him for the military.</p>