Air Force Academy graduates who hope to make a career in professional sports once again can apply to the Department of the Air Force to adjust their active duty military time after two years of service.
Jennifer Stephens, a spokeswoman for the Air Force, confirmed Wednesday that a moratorium on early-out requests, which went into effect after Sept. 11, 2001, has been lifted. Stephens said the policy would apply to all Air Force personnel, not just athletes. If active duty time is shortened, the requirements for reserve status likely would double to six years.
“The final paperwork hasn’t been finished or released,” Stephens said. “It’s my understanding that we’re returning to the policy before 9/11.”
Hans Mueh, athletic director at Air Force, said he understands the new policy would be the same as that currently used by the Departments of the Army and Navy.
“We’re hoping to have all three of the academies on the same page in this area so it’s a level playing field,” Mueh said.
Air Force Academy officials were uncertain if the requirement for an early out for an athlete meant that the player had to be under contract with a pro team. Before Sept. 11, 2001, Air Force football players Chris Gizzi and Bryce Fisher had their active duty time adjusted, but both had NFL contracts – Gizzi with Green Bay and Fisher with Buffalo.
The policy that has been adopted at Army and Navy doesn’t mention the requirement of a professional contract. According to a Navy representative, consideration is given to those whose talents could benefit the department’s national recruiting and public affairs efforts.
Air Force also announced this week it would be stepping up its effort to recruit minority cadets in all areas, not just in sports.
Football coach Fisher DeBerry made a point after the Falcons lost 48-10 to TCU last fall that the academy needed better athletes, including minorities.
Mueh said the recruiting of minority students is an ongoing emphasis at Air Force.
“We want to be more aggressive in getting minority students interested in us,” Mueh said. “We have to do a better job in getting our message out. The topic of diversity has been an ongoing effort by the academy.”
Irv Moss can be reached at 303-820-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com.
