Posted on Jul 22, 2015
What do you think about exceptions to military service where service is required?
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In countries that require military service, what should constitute a legitimate exception if anything?
http://espn.go.com/golf/story/_/id/13300930/sang-moon-bae-leaving-pga-tour-fulfill-military-service-native-south-korea
My personal thought is that other jobs that are in service to the country should be considered.
http://espn.go.com/golf/story/_/id/13300930/sang-moon-bae-leaving-pga-tour-fulfill-military-service-native-south-korea
My personal thought is that other jobs that are in service to the country should be considered.
South Korea
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Waivers
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I agree with you. There are some opportunities where you are going to do more / reach a larger audience.
Funny, sometimes, we let a stellar soldier go to another unit or school as it is good for their professional development, but we will not alway let a Academy football player go pro....
Funny, sometimes, we let a stellar soldier go to another unit or school as it is good for their professional development, but we will not alway let a Academy football player go pro....
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LCDR (Join to see)
MAJ Jim Steven That's actually a very interesting comparison, and you're right. I have never prevented a good Sailor from going to a special program, but I would probably vote against letting an academy player go pro. Is that a misunderstanding on my part? Very well could be.
I think that in some instances we may benefit more from letting him go pro. A whole lot of people will see that athlete and hear he came from the service academy. Heck he will probably even advertise for us without thinking about it.
I think that in some instances we may benefit more from letting him go pro. A whole lot of people will see that athlete and hear he came from the service academy. Heck he will probably even advertise for us without thinking about it.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
MAJ Jim Steven LCDR (Join to see) to tie into your conversation, we actually have a few folks who served in Reserve Capacity who were Academy Grads. David Robinson of the Spurs is a notable example. Although his height may have played a huge role in this as well.
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LCDR (Join to see)
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS - MAJ Jim Steven That's actually who I was thinking of. I am sure there are others as well.
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Whatever the requirement is, that is the requirement.
We harp on the "standard" being the standard. If military service is the standard, that's the standard. If it is military service OR public service, that's the standard.
Though I can agree with either of those, when a standard is established, we stick to it or we risk "lowering the bar." That is not to say we shouldn't revisit the standard occasionally. We should always evolve, however we should not make exceptions. Evolving is good, exceptions is playing favorites. Exceptions or favorites show there is not really a standard.
We harp on the "standard" being the standard. If military service is the standard, that's the standard. If it is military service OR public service, that's the standard.
Though I can agree with either of those, when a standard is established, we stick to it or we risk "lowering the bar." That is not to say we shouldn't revisit the standard occasionally. We should always evolve, however we should not make exceptions. Evolving is good, exceptions is playing favorites. Exceptions or favorites show there is not really a standard.
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LCDR (Join to see)
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS Well said. I agree that an exception does lead to room for more exceptions. I also definitely wasn't implying that professional sports should be an exception. Your point about revisiting standards is important to make sure we don't keep a requirement that becomes irrelevant.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
LCDR (Join to see) I didn't think you were. I figured you were just using him as an example, and he just happened to be a sports player.
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Golf is a completely legitimate reason not to serve, right? Ok, maybe not. I do love golf but since I'm not that good, I guess i will just continue to serve.
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That is the norm for South Koreans. The male celebrities are treated like rock stars when they report for and leave military duty.
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LCDR (Join to see)
SFC (Join to see) I actually don't particularly have an issue with how their service goes, I am somewhat impressed that they are still obligated to serve. If the government decides they can best serve their country on a national golf team promoting nationalism, etc., I don't think that is necessarily a bad thing. I just don't think they should get out of it for being a celebrity.
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I'm with you on this one Sir. I know in some countries there are other avenues of civil service that someone can take if they'd rather not serve in the military.
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LCDR (Join to see)
SGT (Join to see) Thanks! On that note I do like what Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS mentioned with regards to making the requirement military or civil service and not making it an exception if that is an option. Makes it more clear and less open to interpretation/exploitation.
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Elvis did his time. Israel has a similar system. But is this golfer better as an ambassador or as a conscript?
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LCDR (Join to see)
That's what I wonder as well. I don't think he should "get off" but it actually could be more in ROK's interest to keep him on the pro tour.
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