Are Army and Navy Football Players in the Military?
The United States Army and Navy have been competing against each other on the football field for over a century, with their annual rivalry game being a beloved tradition. But is it possible for players on both teams to be actual military personnel? The answer may surprise you.
So, Are They In The Military?
To directly answer the question, most Army and Navy football players are not in the active military. However, this doesn’t mean they can’t be connected to the military in some way.
The Army Black Knights, representing the United States Military Academy (West Point), are comprised of students attending the academy. These students are required to attend college classes and participate in athletic teams, including football, as part of their four-year degree program. While they’re not yet commissioned officers, they are still serving the military by attending the academy.
On the other hand, the Navy Midshipmen, representing the United States Naval Academy, are also students, but they’re slightly different. Midshipmen attend the academy for four years, earning a commission in the United States Navy as officers upon graduation. For those who play football, their athletic careers are interrupted by their military training during the off-season.
Here’s a breakdown of both teams’ eligibility:
- Army Black Knights: All players are students attending the United States Military Academy (West Point). Some may have prior military experience, but they’re primarily students.
- Navy Midshipmen: All players are students at the United States Naval Academy. Upon graduation, they’ll be commissioned as officers in the United States Navy.
Military Obligation
While most players may not be in the active military, they do have a military obligation. Academy graduates are required to serve in the military for at least five years:
- Army Black Knights: Upon graduation, West Point graduates are commissioned as Army officers and serve for five years.
- Navy Midshipmen: Upon graduation, Naval Academy graduates are commissioned as Navy officers and serve for a minimum of five years of active duty.
Fellowship and Support from the Military
Although football players may not be part of the active military, they still receive support from their respective branches:
- Army Black Knights: The Army provides scholarships to West Point students, enabling them to attend the academy without incurring college loan debt.
- Navy Midshipmen: The Navy offers financial support and scholarships to Naval Academy students, helping them earn their degrees and eventually commissions as officers.
Recruitment and Training
Even though players may not be in the active military, they still undergo military-like training and recruitment processes:
- Army Black Knights: West Point students attend the academy’s four-week summer training program, similar to basic training.
- Navy Midshipmen: Naval Academy midshipmen participate in boot camp, known as Midshipmen Summer Training (MSST), which prepares them for their future roles in the Navy.
Game-Day Experience
While military service may not be on the field, both Army and Navy football games involve significant military presence:
- Army Black Knights: The game is held on West Point’s campus, with the Army band, cheerleaders, and other military units participating in pre-game and halftime performances.
- Navy Midshipmen: The game features the Navy band, US Naval Academy Pipes and Drums, and the ceremonial toss of the coin toss by a Navy officer or other dignitary.
In conclusion, while most players on the Army and Navy football teams are not currently serving in the military, their connection to the military goes beyond just playing a sport. They’re students serving their country by attending institutions dedicated to producing military officers.
