Policy for Military Service Academy and Reserve Officers' Training Corps Graduates Seeking to Participate in Professional Sports

This memorandum directs the Secretary of Defense to develop a policy allowing new graduates of Military Service Academies and ROTC programs to pursue professional sports careers immediately after graduation while deferring their military service obligations. The policy must be submitted to the President within 120 days.

Federal Register Open PDF 84 FR 31457

Impact dates

Oct 24, 2019
Secretary of Defense submits Revised Sports Policy to President

Key directives

Secretary of Defense shall develop policy authorizing Academy and ROTC graduates to pursue professional sports immediately after graduation
Secretary shall submit Revised Sports Policy to President through National Security Advisor within 120 days
Directed to publish memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Memorandum issuance directing policy development

Near term (90d)

Secretary of Defense must develop Revised Sports Policy
Submission due to President by October 24, 2019

Long term

Potential implementation of deferred military service for professional athletes
Possible changes to Academy/ROTC retention and recruiting dynamics

Risks & tensions

Potential tension between military readiness needs and individual athletic career opportunities
Unclear how 'consistent with military service obligation' will be operationalized—text is vague on repayment or extended service terms
Possible recruiting and retention impacts on Academies if deferral is perceived as weakening service commitment