British Father and Son Reacts! Army vs Navy Highlights (AMAZING OVERTIME THRILLER!)

OB Daz and Aidan watch the Army vs Navy game for the first time.
Link to original video: • Army vs Navy Highlight...
Instagram: officeblokedaz

[@vee8342]

They are students at their respective military universities/acadamies. Similar to college, they attend post highschool to achieve a bachelors degree. Only they must complete military training, before attending, and military courses, trainings etc while there. Upon graduation, they are officially in the military as officers and must complete a mandatory 4 years service. Its very hard to get into both academies but if you do, its entirely free. Also, they're recruited similar to normal colleges and play against other universities as well.

[@loganleroy8622]

You are still officially in the military while at the academies. All Cadets/Midshipmen are on Active Duty status while attending.

[@yjb854]

The people in uniform in the stands are their classmates.

[@gmac9987]

It's not similar to college... it is college. These institutions are just military specific. Once you graduate you will become a commisioned officer in your respective branch.

[@gmac9987]

​@@loganleroy8622they're not active duty. They're inactive reserve. I went to school on ROTC scholarship. When you do your summer training your status is treated as active duty but you get paid at E-5 rate.

[@GradietPanda12345]

@@loganleroy8622this isn’t right at all lmao

[@darnell-mooney]

this is a college football game just like all other ones you have watched and this is a huge rivalry. they are students at US West Point military academy (army) and the US naval academy (navy) and they both compete at the FBS level which is the highest level of college football that you guys have reacted to. air force also competes at this level. most of these guys do not make the NFL, although a small number have gotten exemptions to go play in the NFL instead of going into service. as you see the service academies usually run an old school triple-option run heavy offense, because their players have to meet the physical requirements so they can't have 300lb linemen like other schools. so they usually have lighter, quicker linemen which works best in this style of offense. it's not uncommon for navy to go a whole game and throw the ball 3 times.

[@gregorywilliams1308]

Well explained

[@erikbartlam7377]

It also helps that teams never practice for these old style offenses. Remember a couple years ago when Citadel got out to a double digit lead on Alabama running the wishbone or something crazy like that? Teams have to change their whole defensive scheme for a week.

[@RubyGB]

The most famous academy graduate football player was Roger Staubach. After graduation, he completed his required military service and joined the NFL to become as an extremely accomplished quarterback.

[@loganleroy8622]

The Army-Navy game is played at a neutral site. Usually, that's Philadelphia because it's about the halfway point between both schools. They alternate each year which team is the "home" team for the event. The game has also been played in Baltimore, Boston, and New York City. It is a logistical nightmare to get all of the students to the game. The game is played in December and tickets for the game are usually sold out by May.

[@BobbyNotBrown]

You guys should watch a video on the history of the Army vs Navy game. 124 years running. Ends the regular season for college football every year.

[@NJbakintheday]

I hope they read your comment. They should definitely do a deep dive into this.

[@twistedzombigon3187]

The players are from the US Military Academy in Westpoint, NY and the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. They are both 4 year colleges. The army cadets go into the army after they graduate and the naval cadets go into the navy or the marines after they graduate. There is also the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. They all play sports against other college teams

[@Tony-ex2rm]

The little army navy game occurs in division 3. Norwich vs the Coast Guard Academy

[@marcanthony8873]

It’s the Army and Navy academies (basically the military’s colleges for officers) and they play D1 football which means they are out there playing all the other college teams you’ve been watching and are eligible to win a national championship just like any other school.

[@jinyatta4103]

I actually got to attend one of these as a child because my mom worked at the Naval Academy. That, along with meeting David Robinson, was the highlight of my childhood.

[@wthornton9526]

Roger Staubach was a QB for Dallas and had a very successful career. He went to the Naval Academy and won a Heinsman Trophy in ‘63 and did years in Vietnam and didn’t go pro until ‘69. And that’s only the basics on him.

[@emobx02]

I tried to explain it on the Office Bloke Daz channel when they reacted to new recruits at Annapolis, but the US Naval Academy (Navy) and West Point Military Academy (Army) are highly exclusive 4-year universities, like other colleges, that obviously prepare its students for military service in their respective branches, usually at high levels. To get into these military universities is VERY difficult, and the people that go there are not typically going to advance their sport careers, but they do get some high-level athletes and compete with other colleges in NCAA Division 1 sports. I think Aidan, Gaynor, and Sophie thought in the video about Annapolis that it was where all who want to join the navy go to for training, but that is not the case. The Naval Academy (and West Point for Army) is a whole different thing than basic training that your typical recruit goes through. To simplify it, it's a "normal" four-year university with classes and athletics, in addition to training you for whatever of the branch of the military it's associated with (and again, it's very hard to get into these academies and your typical person isn't going to cut it).

[@gregorywilliams1308]

Also, not counting athletic scholarships, you must get a congressional appointment, by your local congressman

[@johanna0131]

Hey guys. Great reaction. My cousin played for Army when he was in West Point. Next month you can watch Navy play against Notre Dame in Dublin, Ireland. It’s the Aer Lingus Classic game on August 26th. Hope you can watch it. They go to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, and West Point for the Army. These guys are the best. It’s hard to get into these academies.

[@elijahfoster2]

To answer Daz’s question at 14:22, you can’t intentionally kick a loose (fumbled) ball. Also, as you may have caught onto, Navy is one of the last remaining teams to still use the “triple option” offense. They use it almost exclusively, meaning they run the ball every play of the game and have many, many different types of runs and blocking schemes. They almost never throw the ball.

[@douggaijin]

For the most part, the game has been held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The one-time United States capital has often been the main neutral location for this Army-Navy game since 1899 because it's sandwiched in-between West Point (N.Y.) and Annapolis (Md.). In fact, of the 121 time the academies have played, 89 of those games were in Philly. The winner takes home The Commander in Chief Trophy and pride for the year.

[@SoGal_YT]

Annapolis and West Point are the nicknames for the Naval and Army Academies. They're 4 year universities that offer degrees like any other, but the Midshipmen or Cadets also undergo military training to become officers in their respective branches upon graduation. They play Division I NCAA football along with all the other colleges, and have this annual rivalry game every year. The Air Force Academy also plays them, but it's much newer and doesn't have the same rivalry tradition. The President awards a trophy to the winner at the end of the season, but it's mostly pride they play for. The caliber of players isn't usually on the same level as a lot of colleges because the players also have to commit to military service - and they're very hard schools to get into academically. So that limits the recruiting a bit.

[@daoakman2462]

West Point is an actual place on the Hudson River an actual municipality. So is Annapolis, Maryland. The students at he Naval Academy are future officers of the US Navy and the US Marine Corps. Naval Academy student at ranked as Midshipmen, Students of West Point Academy are Cadets.

[@WickedDiggerActual]

I'll also mention that each year, the army and navy both wear special uniforms for this game and they are always top notch. This year as you can see the navy was wearing NASA inspired uniforms, but being an army vet, I'm always partial to the Army kit each year!

[@jeffdetmer4681]

Guys these 2 colleges have been playing each other for many years. Nowadays West Point (Army), The Naval Academy and The Air Force Academy all have games against each other. Whichever team comes out of those games with the best record wins The Commander in Chief's Trophy. Each of them plays in a conference of college division 1 football. These guys have to have better grades and test scores than a lot of players from other colleges. Not sure if it's the same with all 3 but I know the Navy students get a paycheck too. They don't get much but they are treated as though they are in the service. Graduates of the military academies are expected to serve a certain number of years after graduation. All those uniformed personnel in the stands are primarily students from the 2 schools. The coaches are civilians though some may have served at some point in their life. No cash prizes or anything. Most all the games between the 3 military academy are played at that field in Philadelphia. One team is always designated as the Home Team. They didn't show one of the great traditions of these games. After the end both teams gather at one end of the field and sing that teams school song. Then they go to the other side and sing the other teams song.

[@marcanthony8873]

It’s a huge rivalry. This game is set a week after the end of the regular season so it can be the only game played so the whole country can watch it. Once upon a time (back around the two world wars) Army and Navy were the two best football programs in the country (because so many men were in the Army and Navy)

[@beverly.alford]

The players are students/football players at their respective service academies (US Military Academy West Point and US Naval Academy). Upon graduation, all students serve in their respective branches of the military.

[@user-cs4fg1rm5k]

Since they play in their respective conferences, they are also Bowl eligible. By the way, Navy plays Notre Dame in Ireland this year on August 26. Two of Daz' teams. In basketball, the most famous Navy alumni is David Robinson.

[@gregorywilliams1308]

Also Roger Starbuck, quarterback for the Cowboys back in the 70'd, won two Superbowl

[@gregorywilliams1308]

Actually Roger Starback, Dallas Cowboys quarterback from the 1970's is just as famous

[@kyloren1014]

I’ve been to the Air Force vs Army game in Colorado Springs while I was at Colorado College and it such an awesome experience- the pageantry of the game was cool

[@markmccollough1017]

Army vs Navy games are like watching a football game from the 1940s and 50s. Both teams run the ball 50+ times per game and pass it only 8-10 times per game on average. Both teams rarely gets top football recruits as those guys usually go to the big schools and plan on cashing in once they get to the pros. Army and Navy recruits are expected to serve after graduation so the occasional player who goes pro tends to be a little older if the go pro and very few in the modern era have had pro success in football.

[@msjitter]

My grandson was in that crowd. He’s a cadet at West Point. The Army Navy game is a long and storied rivalry. Hard fought and intense. Great reaction!

[@cjames4478]

This is always circled on my calendar! Mama is a 20 year retired Army veteran and my brother played for Navy. It's a serious rivalry but all in good fun.

[@areguapiri]

One of the most famous players in NFL history, Roger Staubach, won the Heisman Trophy in 1963 while in college playing for Navy. Roger Staubach became the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys and made them the most popular team in the NFL throughout the 1970s. ...Also, it is illegal to kick a ball forward unless it is a kickoff or punt.

[@williambanks2223]

I look forward to this game every year. It's a fast pace game because the players are lighter compared to other college players and quick as a hiccup. There is much respect between both teams since it is an all military game.

[@lovesgucci1]

Majority of the games are played in Philly, a neutral site. It’s a huge deal & played every year.

[@lovesgucci1]

It was played at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Eagles home

[@ryanc9888]

React to the US Army and Navy football introduction. That will give you a great idea what this game is all about.

[@cyleharruff6462]

They are college students that are in the respected military branches, West Point (Army) and Annapolis (Navy), so they play other college teams throught the season. Once done with school, they still have their time of service to complete.

[@SKRRebelRacing]

The Commander In Chief's Trophy is awarded to the team with the best record against the other service academies. The Air Force Academy, although not near as much as a rivalry as Army v Navy, is also involved in this competition and has won more of the trophies than either Army or Navy since it's inception. The trophy originated in 1972 and has been won by Air Force 21 times, by Navy 16 times, and by Army 9 times. Go Big Blue! Go Air Force!

[@twomasta]

Its very traditional that navy and army dont throw the ball much. Partly like you said they dont get high level Qbs talent but partly its tradition. Theyve always been run first , get a decent athlete at qb who can move , and rely on defense/special teams scoring.

[@david-1775]

Very few of these kids will play in the NFL. They have all accepted commissions to serve in the Army and Navy. Two players from the Dallas Cowboys have played for service academies. Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach spent a year in Vietnam as a naval supply officer in Chu Lai. After his military service he played for the QB and won two Super Bowls. Chad Hennings played for Air Force. He became an A-10 pilot and was assigned to the 92nd Tactical Fighter Squadron based at RAF Bentwaters, in the UK. During the time with the 92nd TFS Hennings deployed twice to Incirlik Air Base, in Turkey, from where he flew 45 combat missions over North Iraq in support of Operation Provide Comfort. After his military service he played for the Cowboys as a defensive tackle and helped the team win 3 Super Bowls.

[@FranklinLongallnitelong22]

They play in Philadelphia because it's halfway between West Point and Annapolis. I have been to the game before...what TV misses is the stuff that goes on with the schools in the stands...They bus the whole student body to the game from both academies...It get interesting how they interact with each other.

[@titusmartin9120]

They are both a 4 year college for the future officers of the Army and Navy. The Air Force also has a 4 year college for their future officers. They play regular college sports like any other college. Roger Starbauh the QB for the Dallas Cowboys in the 70s played for Navy, then serviced in Vietnam, then went the the NFL. David Robinson, played for Navy basketball, then serviced in the Navy, then went to the NBA. These kids are getting a million dollar education. They must be recommended by their State Congressman to be considered for attending these school. If you are a General or Admiral in the Air Force, Navy or Army, you MUST have attended one of these schools. These are the future leaders of America.

[@SilvanaDil]

These people are basically going to military run four-year colleges/unis; they will be officers in the various branches after graduation.

[@nathanviebranz9111]

Daz basically had it right, these are cadets who are studying and training at the Army and Naval academies. They are considered universities with athletic teams so this is NCAA DI college football. It’s the same deal with the Air Force academy out in Colorado, too.

[@tyreek.6815]

My cousin is going to be on the Army team this year and I’m excited for him. They’re in the army but the first year they aren’t playing D1 football bc they’re in their prep years of the army.

[@goatitisful]

All these players ARE in the military... i dont believe these players would be active duty u til they gtaduate, but idk that for sure... I was lucky enough to see Wake Forest university play Navy in Annapolis when I was young. I will NEVER forget it. All the cadets did pushups after each touchdown (idk how many pushups) but it was something I am grateful to have experienced.

[@409edits]

As everybody has already said this is a college game. This game is for pride as one of the oldest rivalries in college and all service members in both military branches watch this game, so you are basically playing for all of the Army or Navy. There is also a less focused on program for Air Force Academy, and the three teams all play each other every year. The winner of the series every year of the three gets what is called the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy. This game rotates every year where it is played, mostly in Philly or Baltimore at pro stadiums. The reason for lack of pass is because both programs use a very old-school style offense that is basically pound it down your throat for 3 yards a play until the opposition breaks. Actually quite effective (with proper talent and execution) since so few teams use it nowadays and defenses don't know how to stop it. At times, especially during the 30s and 40s these programs were actually some of the best teams in the country. Navy had a decent run of some top 25 seasons in the 2010s and Army was terrible for most of the 2000s but have actually been borderline top 25 much of the last 5 or so seasons (they've struggled the last couple). As far as college overtime rules, they are different from NFL. Each team gets equal number of possessions until one team fails to match scores (in other words, no sudden death). They start their drives 25 yards out as opposed to a kickoff.

[@briansohr2319]

This is the spirit of amateur sport... I wanted to play hoops at Navy, but didn't even make that cut... Love this

[@bleachedbrother]

The Dallas Cowboys drafted Navy Midshipman quarterback Roger Staubach (1963 Heisman Trophy winner) as a 10th round "future selection" in 1964, but had to wait for him to complete his tour of duty in Vietnam as a Lieutenant. He began his NFL career in 1969. He played 11 years, won 2 out of 5 Super Bowls, 1 Super Bowl MVP, NFL Man of the Year, 6 time Pro Bowl, Pro Football Hall of Fame, 23 game-winning drives (15 comebacks) during the 4th quarter (17 in the final 2 minutes or overtime), after a 1975 playoff game-winning last-second pass, "Captain Comeback" said he threw the ball and said a Hail Mary, coining the phrase "Hail Mary" pass.

[@jameswilson7790]

The Army-Navy game is usually played in Philadelphia, PA. It's approximately halfway between the two campuses.

[@christopherbooker7228]

They get the Commander-in-Choef trophy. They compete for it with Air Force Academy

[@RubyGB]

Upon graduation the graduates (including those who participate in sports) are given military commissions. Graduats of West Point become 2nd Lieutenants. Graduates of Annapolis (whether Navy or Marine) become Ensigns (jg). Serving the country and fighting in war, if necessary, is simply part of their commitment for the education and training they receive.

[@loganleroy8622]

This game is the most unique rivalry in College Football. It is the very last game of the college football regular season. There are no other games being played that day. It is an enormous display of military pageantry. The entire student body from both schools is required to be in attendance for the game. Each school has a little less than 4,500 students. The President of the US is often in attendance for the game and sits on one side of the field during the first half, then crosses over at halftime to sit with the other team during the second half. To answer your first question, these are just normal college kids playing college football. The important difference is that they, along with all the other students at the academies, have all of their expenses paid for in exchange for 5 years of additional service in the military upon graduation. Graduates of the service academies become Ensigns or 2nd Lieutenants upon completing their 4 years in college.

[@gamesforgranny]

The coaches are civilians, usually not military. West Point New York and Annapolis Maryland is where each team is located. The game is played on a neutral field in Philadelphia each year and they alternate between being the home or away team each year.

[@BWen3]

A quick note on the offensive styles. The military academies all run traditional run heavy option offenses. It’s proper old school football. So passing is usually not what their style of offense is trying to do. It’s about ball control and trying to get 3.5 or so yards per play. Sometimes the schools have a qb that can do both. Those teams are always a tough opponent in their respective conferences. This style of offense can be very tough to prepare for. While the academies are Division 1, they play completely different than most D1 schools. So Aiden, if you guys watch other college football videos you’ll see play closer to the NFL style.

[@michaelmcgowen8780]

The US Military Academy (Army) and the US Naval Academy (Navy), along with the US Air Force Academy, are members of the NCAA and participate in college sports. The players are students at theire respective military academies. In college football and basketball, the military academies play in NCAA Division I. This game was the 123rd between the two academies, with the first played in 1890. Army in an indpendent in college football (not a member of a conference), while Navy is a member of the American Athletic Conference.

[@johnsantilli8374]

Students graduate as lieutenants in the Army from west point, and ensign in the Navy. They are then committed to serve 6 years in the military. Few make it through their service and still make the NFL. They need straight As and a letter from their congressman to be accepted at these schools. They are truly the best of the best. Football is secondary to them.

[@billcole3669]

The players are students at their military academies. They are in college. A very elite college that trains future officers. West Point is Army, Annapolis is Navy. When they graduate, they have a commitment of a handful of years in the service they choose. Some football players have been offered spots in the NFL, but I believe they had to wait until they had served active duty for the duration of their commitment. The service academies provide a top notch education that is free. They even receive a salary while attending.

[@mark-be9mq]

The only (big) difference between Army/Navy & other college games is they are students at the most academically & physically demanding school in the nation & after the game seniors will soon graduate, sports career, almost always over and military careers to begin. Its all pride & glory & memories.

[@christophermckinney3924]

Among the colleges Army plays this year are LSU, Syracuse, and Boston College. Navy will play Memphis, South Florida, Air Force, Temple, and Southern Methodist. Frequently Notre Dame.

[@NJbakintheday]

GO ARMY!! BEAT NAVY!! One of the biggest, most tradition-rich rivalries in the nation!

[@CaraK-bw6bs]

Both Army and Navy Academies, as well as Air Force, are among the most difficult "colleges" to be admitted to. I believe, per Congress, each year only 4,400 total students are enrolled . Average incoming "candidates" for USMA is about 1,300. I know that was the case for the year my son reported to West Point. At the end of 4 years, about 1,000 graduated. They are sworn in as a 2nd Lieutenant within 2 hours after graduating, and vacate post within another couple of hours to head to training for their first military posting as an officer. They must serve 5 years active duty and 3 reserve in order to fulfill their education/ contract.

[@gregcable3250]

They play every year in Philadelphia at the end of college football season.

[@NJbakintheday]

I went to the 1988 Army-Navy game in Philly. It was an awesome experience (especially since Army won)! At the time, I was on the Deputy Commanding General's staff, stationed at Fort Monmouth, NJ. Daz, I know you know the area.

[@oaktree1628]

I think that this would have been more interesting viewing if you watched the history behind the Army/Navy football game and who the players actually are -- that is, college aged students who went through a very competitive application process to win nominations to attend either the United States Military Academy at West Point (alma mater to countless famous US Generals in US history such as Douglas MacArthur, George C. Patton and Dwight D. Eisenhower) and the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis (alma mater to many other historical figures as well), and that all of these students, after graduating from their respective Academies, will be entering military service in one of the US armed forces to fulfill their obligations. PS- during the application process, each student had to win a nomination from either the US Vice-President, or a US Congressional Representative or Senator from the state in which they live, and each of them can only nominate a very small number per year

[@gregcable3250]

These guys can then also be put into battle/combat, if needed. The education is free as they typically must, among other things (be great students, morally upright, etc.) typically need a recommendation from member of Congress to get in. The students at these academies come out as officers--for the Navy, graduating with Bachelor of Science degrees and commissions as Ensigns in the Navy or Second Lieutenants in the Marine Corps. West Point grads come out as 2nd Lieutenants. Both have years of obligations to the services and can meet those either in active duty and/or as reserves (training weekends every month).

[@kylesmith3143]

They’re College kids with intentions on being officers in the military once graduated. They commit to 4 years in the military following their 4 years of training/education and all go in with higher paying officer ranks. They live a military lifestyle while also being in college basically.

[@c.simmons2147]

Besides what everyone else has been saying, there are a couple other cool aspects about this game. First, its the only game on that day. Its actually played after the regular season has finished for everyone else. Its one of the many special exemptions put into the rules for these teams. Second, they, along with Air Force, play for the Commander-in-Chief Trophy. Air Force plays both of these teams earlier in the year, and then they play each other in this final game. Often, whoever wins this game wins the trophy. Third, you probably noticed a unique play style. Very little throwing and almost all running. Army, Navy, and Air Force are run some version of the triple option offense. It used to be one of the big offenses back in the day, but fell out of style once passing became a bigger part of the game. These three schools still use it though because it suits the recruiting restrictions they have. Not only would it be difficult to get a good high school quarterback to commit to go into the military instead of trying to make the NFL, but also the linemen can't be as big as at other places. Fourth, after the game, both teams get together to sing each alma mater with each band and student section. The losing team goes first. So the motto these guys use all year is that they want to sing second. Fifth, the "Go Navy, Beat Army!"/"Go Army, Beat Navy!" cheer is so ingrained in them that at the end of the alma mater, they always yell "Beat Army!"/"Beat Navy!" even if they aren't playing that team. Its literally just their mindset all year. Sixth, CBS always does this game, and they usually have a really nice couple minute intro video showing what this game means. A parent in one game the line that best describes this game. "Its the only game where everyone playing in it is willing to die for everyone watching it."

[@lucretruck1]

There are 133 Division 1 College football teams who play teams in and out of the conference they belong to. Navy is an AAC conference affiliate, and Army is independent like Notre Dame. They all play each other but are required to play a certain number of games in conference. Teams with no conference simply create an agreed upon schedule in order to have a full season.

[@haroldgonzalez2681]

Yes these are actual enlisted Army and Navy. It’s an ongoing tradition every year forever. I’m in the Navy so you know who i root for

[@kentgrady9226]

Army cadets and Navy Midshipmen are members of the military, administratively speaking. Any time during their first two years, they may leave without further obligation. If they leave (or are dismissed for academic or disciplinary reasons) after the two year mark, they are obligated to serve as enlisted personnel. During their time in the academies, they are subject to military discipline and law. In other words, they are obligated to obey lawful orders of superiors without question or hesitation. The morning of the Army-Navy game, the Army Chief of Staff and the Chief of Naval Operations issue orders of the day. They typically include everything from meetings, to uniform of the day, to troop deployment. The final order, is delivered specifically to the respective academy football teams. The CNO simply dictates, "Beat Army". Likewise, the ACOS dictates, "Beat Navy". Ergo, the losing team is, by strict interpretation, in direct violation of orders. Obviously, they don't suffer disciplinary consequences. This isn't Iraq under Saddam Hussein. But the losing team carries a heavy enough burden. The young fella asked, "what do they get for winning?". Materially and financially, they get nothing. On a more meaningful level - pride, respect, sense of duty and honor, historical perspective... They get a hell of a lot.

[@josephsoto9933]

These academy attendees are actually in the military drawing pay. During the summer when civilian college students are on vacation these academy students go thru advance military training sych as Ranger school and Airborne training. When they are junior or seniors they are assigned to active duty units around the world to get practical experience. I know because I've encountered cadets when i was in the Army. Most graduate with Engineer degrees.

[@dougbowers4415]

The US has three major service academies. They are colleges and compete against other colleges. The three are Army in West Point, NY, Navy in Annapolis, MD and Air Force in Colorado Springs, CO. There are also Coast Guard and Merchant Msrine academies but they’re not as well known. The academies are extremely difficult to get into and is a huge honor. You get a free college education and enter the military after graduation as an officer. The military service is a commitment for a period of time in exchange for that free education.

[@emaniburton9422]

They are students at the military academy. They sign a contract for about 3/4 years of military as officers upon graduation. It is a free college and almonds as selective as the Ivy League like Harvard. They play in the same leagues as other colleges depending on the sport.

[@binxbolling]

It's always played at a neutral site (Philly). The home team alternates each year. Home teams get to pick whether they will wear dark or light jerseys.

[@jimcathcart5116]

Navy stadium is in annoplos but the army navy game is usually in Philly which is neutral field. These players are in the academy for college and warfare training

[@davehelms1398]

It is the Army University (West Point, our version of Sandhurst, the Naval Academy (Anapolis), our version of 'Portsmouth, They are regular four year university and play other universities during the season. Its not regular soldiers and sailors.

[@davisnanette]

Our Military in America has actual Universities. The Army University is called West Point and the Naval University is the Naval Academy at Annapolis. There is also an Air Force Academy. These Military Universities are very prestigious and are difficult to get into. You usually have to have excellent grades, etc. plus be nominated by your Congressman to be accepted. When you attend these miliary schools you will receive same type of 4-year degree that non-Military Universities gives out. Also when you attend one of these schools you are entering the Miliary at the same time. Graduates become officers when they finish and have to serve at least 4 years in the military. Like any University in America they all have sports teams.

[@poohbearsmom2964]

The UK also has the Royal Military Academy which would be the UK equalivent. Most countries have these types of academies and they host allied exchange students just like other universities.

[@d2ndborn]

Hope you two can catch a college game when you visit in November.

[@waynethayer5127]

Army, Navy, and Air Force play a round robin during the season for the Commander and Chief Trophy. The result of the Army Vs Navy game usually decides who wins, typically because it's the one of the last regular season games of the year. Which would also explain the attention the game gets because it's not competing with other major programs playing.

[@chrisdemboski8111]

This is the last regular college football game of the college season. To our military, this is their bowl game. This is where every man on that field play against each other, but also willing to die for you. Go NAVY, Beat Army!!!

[@spuds416]

The Military Academies usually lead the Country in Rushing Yards many times they are 1st, 2nd and 3rd in Division 1

[@BarabooTycoon]

They have to serve four years after leaving college. When the game us being played, the game is broadcast live around the world to the armed services. It is that big of a rivalry.

[@OutNaturing]

saw army v navy live. its an incredible experience at west point

[@benx2230]

As others have pointed out, these are university students. The USA has three military academies, which are universities. The US Military Academy (Army) in West Point, NY; the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD; and the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. The annual Army-Navy football game has been a major rivalry for a very long time.

[@jaym7650]

The Coast Guard also has an academy.

[@robertdedrick7937]

The coaches are Not Military regular college coaches . Also an Airforce Academy in Colorado Springs Co...

[@gregcable3250]

Sorry for all of the comments--they are soldiers and sailors (and scholars) first, they play these sports as a sideline--no special treatment. Sot they are trained military/naval tacticians (often also engineers or other technical fields), trained killers AND Division 1 college football players, My Father was recruited to West Point in the late 1940s (when Army football was very good) as he was a very good football player and student, but declined and later served in the Army in Korea/Japan. He's 91 and still a badass.

[@philliphampton5183]

They’re just students at military universities. So they get a military and an academic education. They graduate with bachelors degrees and as commissioned officers. West Point/ Annapolis are essentially the US equivalent of Sandhurst over there. So while they’re not technically soldiers yet they will be upon graduation. But yeah.

[@christophermckinney3924]

When army plays navy they play in Philadelphia between the two service academies.

[@pgpro8691]

Yes all these guys go to school like normal college student. But upon graduation they serve in the military.. it’s very rare but I’m pretty sure if one of their students becomes a star and they know he can play in the NFL for millions,sometimes they are able to get out of being deployed and play pro sports instead… They don’t get the best players becomes obviously most star football players don’t want to also serve in the military and Its also entertaining that many of these military universities play a super old school style offense where they run like 95% of the plays, when they actually pass, people aren’t prepared.

[@amazonmuhkah]

All the Military colleges run an Wing Formation, meaning run first offense. They dont get the recruits other colleges have, so they make the best of what they have.

[@prollins6443]

You guys should check the videos CBS produces for these games. Also, look into the pageantry both sides perform before the game. The prisoner swap. The flyovers. The March of the cadets. There are hours of stuff to check out before you even get to the game!

[@magarthur3420]

The reason Navy's first completion came so late isn't due to lack of talent. Navy and Army traditionally run what's called the option offense. It's pretty much 100% about the running game. It's too hard to explain in a comment. You guys would have to watch a video on it. Both teams have had games where they don't even attempt a single pass.

[@gregorywilliams1308]

The students will become officers in the military, after graduation. The will have to serve 6 years after graduation. The Army university is West Point, located in New York. The Navy Academy is in Maryland. In England you guys have Sandhurst.

[@officeblokedaz]

Was going to mention sandhurst as the equivalent but got sidetracked 😂

[@shag139]

The service academies do not get the highest ranked players for several reasons: In exchange for free tuition you are committed to I think 5-6 years of service in the respective branch of the military. The service academies also have higher academic standards. Highly touted players who hope to go to the NFL go power 5 conferences for the most part. So you don’t have great passing QB’s going to the academies which is why they run option style offenses.

[@gregcable3250]

These are college students 18-22 just as with any college football team, but they instead get their education and training at West Point Military Academy (up the Hudson from NYC--worth the trip) or the US Naval Academy (as you correctly said in Annapolis Maryland). They play Division 1, FBS top level college football. BTW, the US Airforce Academy (located in Colorado) also has a team. and are sometimes quite good, but they don't play Army or Navy--this is a special, old rivalry--even when neither is good, or one is good, but the other not so much, the games are typically competitive.

[@ChrisAdamscomedy]

I prefer how college does their overtime. In the NFL if someone gets a touchdown the game is over but in college the other team gets a chance to try for a touchdown as well.

[@hectort.690]

Navy Acedemy men who go to become officers in the Navy. Army West Point men go to become officers in the Army. They played other colleges in their division.

[@kenmahoney5255]

Go Army beat navy! Over a hundred years of history between theses two. One of the best traditions in all of sports.

[@unlimitedcuriosity]

they are both colleges who play in a conference and have normal schedules. and while anyone can join the army or navy, the schools at west pointe and annapolis are highly selective and generally recruit only people who they feel can be leaders or officers for each branch

[@sammurphy3343]

They are the same as going to university after high school. Difference is when you graduate you become an officer in your each ones respective branch .

[@tervalas]

As previously mentioned here, these are all future military officers in college also getting their basic military training.

[@erikbartlam7377]

As many people have pointed out they’re students at the academies. They have to serve their tours of duty…even if they turn out to be good enough for NFL. Makes it hard for them get draftable players. Roger Starback had to serve in Navy before going to cowboys. They play a regular college schedule.

[@erikbartlam7377]

For the record I spent four years in the US Army….so go Navy.

[@stephaniemccarthy1676]

I have seen Army vs Navy at West point. Great experience!

[@bondzo7184]

Philly is basically equidistant between Annapolis and West Point so that’s usually where the game is played

[@eTraxx]

I can not believe you guys. My god! This is a FREAKING COLLEGE GAME. Geeze.

[@rashadwalker8218]

Relax

[@ShawnATX]

Annapolis and West Point are colleges.

[@cjboyer4355]

It’s soldiers and sailers who attend the army and naval academy’s it’s just like any other college but they have to serve in the military as officers after they graduate.

[@staceybert1975]

It's a neutral site game. It rotates between Philadelphia Baltimore New York They are the home and away team every other year.

[@ronharris8669]

We care because those kids are soldiers and protect the rest of the world and us and put their lives on the line.