Service Academy: Possible to still play pro ball?

Probably won't get much discussion about your Pro Option question, as it has been discussed recently with somewhat negative results (thread pulled). BTW, you have a PM from me.

[AcademyDad could well weigh-in with experience re: USAFA]

You can also go to the "Ask About Colleges" Forum...scroll down a little ways to the "Army/Navy/Air Force..." thread...good reading.

If your son's main focus is to play in the pros, I would stray away for going to the Academies; they are great institutions with a lot of benefits far beyond going to the pros. If your son is looking to get a great education, learn discipline, become a leader, and serve the country, you are focusing to the right place.

It would be great to have the opportunity to go to the pros as an additional benefit, but it looks to be harder and harder to do for various reasons, good and bad.

As for the USAFA, you also have to ask your son, what does he want to do with his military career and what arm of the military will suit him best. Baseball is not one of USAFA strong points, the other academies are stronger in that area, but is that the main reason why he is going to an academy?

The only Academy that "had" a pro service option was Army. That program was rescinded in May. As of right now, the only "official" opportunity to play pro ball would be to serve two years on active duty and then apply to leave to go play pro ball, the same way Napolean McCallum and David Robinson did at Navy.

All that being said, Air Force and Army currently support the pro service option and would like to see it reinstated at some point. With an election and new administration looming, it may come sooner than many think, or not at all.

Your son would have two years at the AF academy to "see what happens", before he has to make a commitment. Anytime before the first day of his junior year, he could leave the Academy and not owe any service time. (this is true for all 3 Acadamies)

I can verify what CPLZ stated. I just left the AF Academy where I served for three years. We had a great young man named Carl Bolt who was drafted in the 15th round I believe. Carl applied for a waver but was denied. He had the full support of USAFA leadership but was denied at the Pentagon level. I think he intends to serve his two years and then give it another try.

One more thing...Coach Hutcheon is doing a great job. It is taking a little while to turn the program but he is making headway.

CP

If an Academy student transfers after a year or two, are they financially liable?

quote:

Originally posted by Dad04:
CP

If an Academy student transfers after a year or two, are they financially liable?

No...not until the student attends a class of his Jr. (3rd) year