Army-Navy Posbang Thread

Submitted by Jumpman Maize on
Mgoladies and gentlemen, it is officially the last week of the college football season with a regular season game. *sigh* However, said regular season game is perhaps the best of them all. Rather than ruining a faction of people's weekend, the Army-Navy game unites us. Everyone wins with Army-Navy. Thank you to all veterans and active duty members. POSBANGGGGG!!!!!

xtramelanin

December 12th, 2015 at 8:43 AM ^

you can see the arrows for up and down votes, much like a regular post.  but if you go up about an inch further you can see two tabs for 'view' and 'voting details'  and if you hit that second tab it will show you who up/downvoted a thread.   now i get the comment re: TSWC.

i think there was a discussion in prior years about having the ability to know who up/downvoted all the posts, not just the OP, but if memory serves it was squashed b/c the board might turn into some internet version of a cross b/w 'survivor' and 'lord of the flies'.

incidentally, i do love this army/navy game and the tradition is truly like no other.  i have torn loyalties too.  we had a # of dear friends and neighbors who are/were seals when we lived on coronado, but we also have a nephew who is a sgt in the rangers.   i think i'll pull for the underdog today - army.  if i remember correctly they have been getting whomped in the last decade or so.   so for today at least, go army, beat navy.

GoWings2008

December 12th, 2015 at 6:12 PM ^

You would think that Michigan fans would be supportive of the Air Force due to the fact that we are generally regarded as the smarter of the services, at least the bigger scoring AFOQT test takers are going Air Force. And I worked my ass off in pilot training and in my career. Screw you and your country club.

grumbler

December 12th, 2015 at 9:08 PM ^

I know you are kidding, and so am I by noting this nitpick:  the Naval Academy isn't a "military institution," it is a naval institution.  The Air Force and Army are the military services, the Navy and Marines the naval sevices.  So, the Air Force Academy is a military institution and the Naval Academy is not. 

SC Wolverine

December 12th, 2015 at 8:43 AM ^

When I was a tank lieutenant in the 2nd Armored Division in the 80s, we used to play inter-unit combat football.  Tackle with no pads, with combat boots.  If you dared play as an officer, you had to be ready to bring it, I can assure you.  Sadly, the hospital bills forced an end to this manly activity.

MeanJoe07

December 12th, 2015 at 3:33 AM ^

hi I guess I could have been better at some things and anyone who wants to know about me being a friend who was in fact a lot better than yesterday I guess I can make your house or something else for example that will take some more about my mom would it make your way out to my phone has also need to see her I didn't really don't care to rush of this site to know when we can see them as I don't have much money but not really like this one has also trying not sure what are your friends with her husband is the only thing I don't have to get it from my house is the best of all of us to be in town

gustave ferbert

December 12th, 2015 at 5:56 AM ^

in honor of the alumni players killed in action?  

An incredible tradition and a stark reminder of the actual plans of what these boys are going to be doing when they graduate. 

Thanks for putting out a posbang for this.  College athletics at its purest.  No one game suspensions for hiring hookers for these teams.

GoWings2008

December 12th, 2015 at 6:21 AM ^

As an Air Force Academy graduate, I win with an Army victory. If the service academies games result in a three way tie, last year's winner retains the Commander in Chiefs trophy. So, Go Army!!

Brian Griese

December 12th, 2015 at 8:06 AM ^

Grandpa that served in the Navy and one that served in the Army, both during the Korean War, so I'm never sure who to root for. It's really just a great event to watch and I wish all the servicemen and women well!

MIGHTYMOJO91

December 12th, 2015 at 8:12 AM ^

Go Army! Beat Navy! End the streak today. What a great tradition this game is!  The best part is these young men and women combine to make THE GREATEST TEAM in the world. Thanks to all who serve or have served! You are absolutely the BEST!

Beat 'Em

December 12th, 2015 at 8:50 AM ^

Why has Navy dominated the series recently? I firmly believe that one big reason has been the wars. I think it has been easier for Navy (and Air Force) to recruit players who like the concept of service, but don't necessarily want boots on the ground in a combat zone. If you're a hard charger, you can compete for a SEAL slot or be a Marine. If that isn't for you, then you can serve on a ship. I am in no way marginalizing service on a ship, but I think it's fair to say that you're likely safer there than sitting in an outpost in Iraq or Afghanistan. In addition, Army only recently began doing some of the things with summer training that Navy has been (wisely) doing for years. Basically, they keep the team together for a longer period of time on the installation. I could go on, but those are the two biggest reasons for the 13 years of failure in my opinion. They aren't excuses, but rather explanations for those wondering. These losses have been painful and have impacted the morale of cadets and graduates for some time. Army's coach Monken is a former Navy assistant who understands how to win at an Academy. There is a lot more young talent now at USMA and the Prep School. It also looks like Ken N is taking a look at BYU. So we'll see moving forward. For today, Navy is a 23 point favorite for a reason. They have a great program and an outstanding QB. But this has to stop. Go Army! Beat Navy!

Beat 'Em

The Geek

December 12th, 2015 at 9:36 AM ^

of mine are USAMA grads, so I've heard your initial point several times. Here's my "hot take:"

I believe the Army and Navy, for the most part, compete for the same kids. The entrance requirements for both schools are insane, and even the application process is enough to turn most 18-year olds off. Not to mention you will have no social life during the best 4-years of your life, and you're looking at a 6-year obligation after graduation.

Bottom line, Army and Navy are bringing in the same high-quality student athletes they were 10-, 20- even 30-years ago. Only very high-quality young men who excel on the football field, in the classroom and in the community and have a burning desire to serve their country get into the academies. No preferential treatment for athletes.

The prolonged conflicts may turn a few kids away from the Army, but I have a hard time believing this is a (often cited as "the") reason Army is getting smoked on the gridiron. Navy has just been better. 

Full Disclosure: Career Navy officer.

 

goMichblue

December 12th, 2015 at 12:13 PM ^

The reason for navy's recent success is actually fairly simple: Paul Johnson. I was at navy just prior to him and army and Air Force owned us in football. Johnson is navy's Harbaugh. Trust me, navy grads don't shy from being on the front lines: a quarter of a graduating class goes into aviation (they fly in combat, a lot), another few hundred lead marines, then you have the spec war types and eod officers, and the ship drivers junior officers lead boarding teams. It helps the navy football team that the navy has phenomal jobs to offer a new graduate, a bit more diverse in opportunities than the other service academies. Plus we have social media in our corner: movies like top gun, the hurt locker, jarhead, act of valor serve as free recruitment.

The FannMan

December 12th, 2015 at 9:14 AM ^

So much respect for all those at any academy. IIRC, they are insanely hard to get into, tough to get through and, when you're done, you spend five years in the military protecting our country rather than cashing in on your degree.

Go Navy. Go Army. Go Air Force.

gremlin3

December 12th, 2015 at 10:13 AM ^

But best game of the season? Cumong, man.

I watch the cadets march in and check the unis, then I watch no more. I suspect this is true for the average college football fan. This game is #1 in pageantry only. Isn't most important in terms of rankings, playoffs, or bowl selection. Doesn't have the best athletes. Isn't the most fascinating in terms of Xs and Os.