Are the Army and Navy football players in the military?

The Army-Navy football game is one of the best moments of the year in college football, essentially getting its own Saturday to be played, which is always followed that night by the Heisman Trophy ceremony. It’s one of the most prestigious and historical days annually on the college football calendar.

On Saturday, Dec. 9, the two teams will meet for the 124th time in this historic rivalry matchup with Navy leading the all-time series 62-54-7, but Army has won five of the last seven meetings, even with the Midshipmen pulling off an upset in the 2021 meeting.

These are two historic service academies that play every year and bring about a ton of pomp and circumstance, particularly with the students in their full Army or Navy garb when they are in the stands.

But because of the military-affiliated nature of both schools, many people are wondering how these players fit into the mix.

Army and Navy football: Are players in the military?

When these two teams are playing in their annual matchup, they are not enlisted in any branch of the military. Rather, they are at the service academy universities in West Point (Army) and Annapolis (Navy) as students. But the more apt answer to the question of if these players are in the military is “not yet”. However, they will be eventually.

Everyone who attends either of these schools will have a five-year mandatory service period in the branch of the military that their respective academy is associated with. This is why many Army and Navy football players (and Air Force as well) are not often seen in the NFL. Having said that, players who attend United States Military Academies are able to apply for a waiver to play professional sports that would either postpone or nullify their commitment to enlist.

But, in some ways, that’s what makes this game so special. The historic rivalry is guys who will one day be serving the United States, which makes it all the more incredible to see.