FIRST WORD

Can you imagine, this incredible coach with that little asset? Because I would imagine that would make recruiting a little bit easier.”

Trump to Army football coach Jeff Monken on Monday while saying he is in favor of implementing a waiver system that would allow athletes at service academies to postpone active duty service requirements in order to pursue a career in pro sports. The Department of Defense previously allowed athletes to defer active duty service requirements in order to pursue pro sports, a policy implemented under President Barack Obama in 2016. But it was rescinded the following year by then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis four months into Trump’s presidency. Later Monday, the Pentagon announced that it will continue to require athletes who graduate from military service academies and Reserve Officer Training Corps programs to have a two-year commitment to active duty military service. Army was at the White House for winning the Commander-inChief’s Trophy last season.