Army-Navy Football - A Brief History

The Army-Navy Game is an annual college football game played between the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, New York (Army), and the United States Naval Academy (USNA) at Annapolis, Maryland (Navy). The game is one of the most storied and traditional rivalries in college football, and it holds a special place in the hearts of military personnel and fans alike.

Here's a brief history of the Army-Navy Game:

1. Inception (1890): The first Army-Navy Game took place on November 29, 1890, at West Point. Navy won the inaugural match with a score of 24-0.

2. Early Years (1890s-1900s): In the early years, Army and Navy competed against each other intermittently. The game was not yet an annual tradition, and the frequency of matches varied.

3. Annual Tradition (1930s): The Army-Navy Game became an annual tradition in 1930. Since then, the two academies have met on the football field every year, except in 1894, 1896, 1903, and 1917-1918 due to various reasons, including World War I.

4. World War II (1942-1944): During World War II, concerns about the war effort and the need for military training led to the temporary suspension of the game in 1942, 1943, and 1944. However, President Franklin D. Roosevelt insisted that the game be resumed in 1945 to boost morale during the war.

5. Neutral Sites: The Army-Navy Game has been played at various locations, including New York City's Polo Grounds, Soldier Field in Chicago, and other neutral sites. It has also been played on the campuses of both academies.

6. Traditions: The Army-Navy Game is known for its rich traditions, including the pre-game march-on, the exchange of the "prisoner" (a midshipman or cadet from the losing academy), and the singing of each academy's alma mater.

7. Impact on Service Assignments: The outcome of the game traditionally has no impact on the service assignments of the graduating cadets and midshipmen. They all go on to serve in the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Air Force, irrespective of the game's result.

8. Close Contests: The rivalry is known for its closely contested matches, and the outcome is unpredictable. Both Army and Navy have had periods of dominance, and the series is nearly evenly split.

9. National Spotlight: The Army-Navy Game often attracts national attention, even from those who may not typically follow college football, due to the unique nature of the rivalry and the military tradition associated with the academies.

The Army-Navy Game is more than just a football game; it represents the competitive spirit, camaraderie, and mutual respect between the two service academies. It's a cherished tradition that extends beyond the football field and holds a special place in the hearts of those connected to the military.