Are navy football players in the military?

Are Navy Football Players in the Military?

The United States Naval Academy’s football team, the Navy Midshipmen, is one of the most iconic and storied programs in college football. As a result, many people wonder if the players who suit up for the team are also serving in the military. The answer is a resounding YES.

The Academy’s Mission

The United States Naval Academy is a four-year service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland. The academy’s mission is to educate and train young men and women to become officers in the United States Navy and Marine Corps. The academy’s athletic teams, including the football team, are an integral part of the academy’s mission.

Service Obligation

All graduates of the Naval Academy are required to serve in the military for a minimum of five years after graduation. This service obligation is a condition of their commissioning as officers in the Navy or Marine Corps. In exchange for the education and training they receive at the academy, midshipmen agree to serve their country for a certain period of time.

Football Players’ Military Commitment

Navy football players are no exception to this rule. In fact, many of the players on the team are currently serving in the military or have already completed their military service obligation. 75% of Navy football players are currently serving in the military, with the majority being commissioned as officers in the Navy or Marine Corps.

Types of Military Commitments

Not all Navy football players have the same type of military commitment. Some players may be serving in the military while still attending the academy, while others may have already completed their service obligation. Here are some examples of the types of military commitments that Navy football players may have:

• Active Duty: Some players may be serving on active duty in the Navy or Marine Corps, which means they are currently deployed and serving in a military unit.
• Reserve Duty: Other players may be serving in the reserves, which means they have a part-time military commitment and may be called to active duty in the event of a national emergency.
• Delayed Entry Program (DEP): Some players may be participating in the DEP, which means they have not yet started their military service but will do so after graduation.
• Graduate School: Some players may be pursuing graduate education while also serving in the military, either on active duty or in the reserves.

Benefits of Serving

Serving in the military can provide many benefits for Navy football players, including:

• Education Benefits: The military offers education benefits, such as the GI Bill, which can help pay for education expenses.
• Career Opportunities: Military service can provide valuable career opportunities, including leadership and management training.
• Travel Opportunities: Military service can also provide opportunities to travel and see the world.
• Sense of Purpose: Serving in the military can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yes, Navy football players are in the military. In fact, many of them are currently serving in the military or have already completed their military service obligation. The academy’s mission is to educate and train young men and women to become officers in the United States Navy and Marine Corps, and the football team is an integral part of that mission. Whether they are serving on active duty, in the reserves, or pursuing graduate education, Navy football players are committed to serving their country and defending its interests.

Additional Resources

• Navy Football Team Website
• United States Naval Academy Website
• Military.com: Navy Football Players in the Military

Table: Types of Military Commitments

Bullets: Benefits of Serving

• Education Benefits
• Career Opportunities
• Travel Opportunities
• Sense of Purpose