I haven’t blogged in a while as things have gotten pretty crazy, but this was one of those things I couldn’t pass up writing about.

Right before I left work today, a story came across the wire that made my jaw drop. The US Army … the organization that I went and and fought in Iraq for, decided today to disallow Caleb Campbell to play professional football in the NFL as they are “re-considering their policy” on allowing athletes who get drafted to go pro. I am just sick … for several reasons. More on that in a moment …

I was a huge proponent of this policy and when Campbell got drafted, I supported it openly and was proud. Early reports indicate that the reason the Army is reconsidering is because Navy and Air Force (the collegiate institutions) feel that the policy gave an unfair advantage to Army in recruiting. I don’t doubt that is true, and moreover, it’s probably a pretty accurate assumption.

Now back to my displeasure … which I have to note by law of my oath to the military, that I am speaking in an “unofficial” capacity.
The first reason I am upset is because of the whole idea that you gave the kid a shot. An opportunity (of a lifetime) … and now you are taking it away. I just can’t seem to grasp how this is even remotely fair. Yeah, I know, life isn’t fair. I got it. But this wasn’t a gift, it was earned. Campbell played well enough to get noticed and drafted. He EARNED the right to play in the NFL. The Army supported that and now they just change their mind. Seems pretty “un-American” don’t you think?

Secondly, the first thing that popped into my head after hearing about this was Pat Tillman. Not his being in the NFL, or dying for his country, but the US Army’s total debacle over covering up what really happened. I mean, how many times can you PUBLICLY stick your foot in your mouth? How many times can you take your own organization, that prides itself on values like “integrity” and do something so disingenuous?? I just don’t get it. It is a total slap in the face to an Army that I have served proudly in for over a decade … but it is a slap done by people from within!!!!!!! UGH!

Moreover, what a bad PR move from a recruiting standpoint … and I am not talking about football. The number of patriotic 18-year old men and women who will sign up for love of God and country are a dwindling bunch. Caleb Campbell was a great face for the Army. He could have told his story of military service (that has little to do with football) to millions of young Americans and maybe they would have joined. Maybe they would have wanted to serve their country because other fine Americans do the same. It is a wasted opportunity by the Army.

Lastly, it pains me to see that the Army, at certain times and certain instances, is a bureaucracy that can’t be changed … and I hate that. I love being a soldier and putting on that uniform and leading other soldiers into battle. I hate following archaic rules and laws that teach conformity rather than creativity. There is more than one way to solve any problem. And in the case of Caleb Campbell, there is more than one way to serve your country. I know that personally.

This is a disappointing move all around. I wish Caleb Campbell the best. And I can make one guarantee about this whole thing … I have never met Caleb Campbell … never even interviewed him over the phone … but I will bet my Captain’s paycheck that you won’t hear a word from him in a negative manner about this decision. He knows how to serve and he will do so how he is asked to, and called to.

Posted on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008 at 7:49 pm.
Categories: 1300 News.
Track comments to this post: RSS 2.0.

POST A COMMENT  |  TRACKBACK