Graduates of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, and the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, routinely practice teamwork, understanding their lives literally can depend on their fellow service members.
But on Army-Navy Game Day, the two services’ annual gridiron rivalry takes over. This year’s football clash takes place Dec. 13 in Baltimore.
Senior military leaders are not above the fray, with West Point grad Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Naval Academy alum Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, the chief of naval operations, launching good-natured “spirit spots” in the run-up to the game.
The rivalry dates to 1890 when the Midshipmen journeyed to West Point and beat the Cadets 24-0. The Cadets returned the favor in Annapolis the next year, winning 32-16. The two teams have met 114 times, and the contest became an annual gala in 1930.
Service academy graduates around the world -- some in combat zones -- will watch the game courtesy of the Armed Forces Network.
(Follow Jim Garamone on Twitter: @GaramoneDoDNews)
Â