I think it makes an Army addition more likely and attractive. I agree with the concerns about this interfering with the mission of the academies though.

I'm a civilian, but I can't say I agree with this without severe restrictions.

Sure, you can put the Navy NFL'ers on a giant recruiting poster, but it will still send the message that the academies are there to do what you want and to become athletes or whatever, not soldiers.

When they were making a few really good athletes exceptions to the rule, it worked. But I don't see this working. What's next? Are we going to let those who get M.D.s out of their service so they can go private sector sooner? Engineers? Anyone who could earn more in the private sector rather than as a soldier? Where's the incentive for people to become soliders then? West Point and the Naval Academy produced a lot of great military leaders. By doing this you're giving that legacy up.

I think this is great news...now Army won't have an excuse for sucking in sports