"Blue Chip" and "Recruited Athlete" technical meaning at USAFA.

[Capt MJ]

Can a coach and SA offer an appointment without an application being done? Dobmerb not complete? Can they do like a pre-read and offer?
A friend went on an official visit and committed... But hasn't done the application, nom, CFA, or dobmer yet.

The “commitment” thing is related to varsity sports recruiting practices. It means the athlete will have a place on the team IF they are offered an appointment. To be offered an appointment, they must be fully qualified - medical/DoDMERB, athletic/CFA, academic & scholastic - plus have a nom. They must complete an application.

The candidate can also be offered a prep option, for which they don’t need a nom. Every cycle there are “committed” athletes who aren’t offered appointments.

 

[MidCakePa]

Only the admissions office can make an offer of appointment. All applicants, whether they’re a blue-chip athlete or not, must undergo the same process and prove themselves 3Q — qualified academically, physically, medically — and in possession of a nomination. No offer of appointment is made without those elements. “Committing” to a program at an SA is not the same thing as doing so with a civilian program. A lot more hoops to jump through before anything is official.

Cross-posted with @Capt MJ. Her point about “committed athletes” without an appointment is key.

 

[Sealion II]

The “commitment” thing is related to varsity sports recruiting practices. It means the athlete will have a place on the team IF they are offered an appointment. To be offered an appointment, they must be fully qualified - medical/DoDMERB, athletic/CFA, academic & scholastic - plus have a nom. They must complete an application.

The candidate can also be offered a prep option, for which they don’t need a nom. Every cycle there are “committed” athletes who aren’t offered appointments.

Just about the clearest and most correct comment on this entire 5 year old thread.

 

[flieger83]

ALO late to the dance...the answers above are correct and on point. ALO has nothing to add.

Steve

 

[BBBRRRTT]

Can a coach and SA offer an appointment without an application being done? Dobmerb not complete? Can they do like a pre-read and offer?
A friend went on an official visit and committed... But hasn't done the application, nom, CFA, or dobmer yet.

It would behoove this person to get all their paperwork completed and have a plan B.

 

[justdoit19]

It would behoove this person to get all their paperwork completed and have a plan B.

If you care to share, what did your person end up doing (in general, of course). I remember your story from long ago. Your person is probably graduated and on to the next phase by now.

 

[justdoit19]

Can a coach and SA offer an appointment without an application being done? Dobmerb not complete? Can they do like a pre-read and offer?
A friend went on an official visit and committed... But hasn't done the application, nom, CFA, or dobmer yet.

Your question has already been answered. But if you want to read more discussion about sports recruitement at a SA, just use the SAF search tool or Google. Tons and tons of past discussion/debate/information/stories.

 

[BBBRRRTT]

If you care to share, what did your person end up doing (in general, of course). I remember your story from long ago. Your person is probably graduated and on to the next phase by now.

Successfully enlisted in another branch and enjoys fixing and flying in helicopters. The folks I took exception to using "blue chip" and "recruited athlete" terms incorrectly in context to what they had control over, moved on to "higher" callings. So all worked out for the best in my opinion.

 

[justdoit19]

Successfully enlisted in another branch and enjoys fixing and flying in helicopters. The folks I took exception to using "blue chip" and "recruited athlete" terms incorrectly in context to what they had control over, moved on to "higher" callings. So all worked out for the best in my opinion.

Great to hear. Appreciate the update.