Huge policy shift. Guessing the DoD sees the benefit of Service Academy athletes attempting to go pro as better marketing than forcing them to serve their commitment.
Military Academy Athletes No Longer Required to Give Two Years of Service in Active Duty
The DoD Pro Sports Policy, which was changed in May 2016, now states that athletes from service academies no longer have to serve two years of active duty to fulfill their required service time. Those athletes are instead able to serve their time in the ready reserve for their respective branch of the armed forces.
Some people are really angry about this, but it is a brilliant move by the Academies. If Keenan Reynolds shines, and represents the Naval Academy really well that will help the Navy way more than simply serving his commitment. Best marketing you can buy. A lot for your money, IMO.
Duce630
(DustinK - I Stand With Israel - Bring Them Home)
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It would be interesting if someone like Reynolds says he wants to serve active duty in some way and asks them to find a way for him to do both.
Active Duty commitments would make this almost impossible. They could allow a member to take time off with the understanding that they would have to come back and serve the Active Duty commitment, but the money from pro contracts could potentially force them out.
I’m in favor of the idea and agree with you Kyle; the marketing and added recruiting the service academies can get from guys like Reynolds more than outweighs the costs of his education.