Growing up in a football-centric family, the fall season is filled with the sounds of college football echoing through our home. While I enjoy the lively atmosphere, there’s one game that captures my full attention each year—the Army-Navy Game.
In early December, the football teams of the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy clash in a game that signifies the culmination of the regular college football season.
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This enduring rivalry, dating back to 1890 and running continuously since 1930, is not just a game; it’s a testament to the century-long camaraderie and competition between these esteemed institutions.
The rivalry’s longevity finds its roots in the banter between U.S. military branches. The Army teasing the Navy for being posh, the Navy unable to retort because, well, the Army is simply the best, and the Air Force caught in the crossfire—creating a friendly yet spirited rivalry. Despite the banter, mutual respect among servicemembers prevails, making it a unique tradition that extends beyond the football field.
Growing up in an Army family, where my dad has served for over two decades, has meant adapting to constant change and bidding farewell to communities.
Yet, it also means embracing a new family of military comrades with each relocation. Amidst this ever-changing life, there’s one constant—the annual tradition of sitting down, armed with my limited football knowledge, and passionately cheering for the Army football team.
Rooting for Army hasn’t always been easy, especially during the Navy’s fourteen-year winning streak starting in 2001. However, everything changed on December 10, 2016. Witnessing Army secure its first victory over Navy in my lifetime was a euphoric moment. To celebrate, my dad and I grabbed the “Go Army, Beat Navy” flag from our door, running through the neighborhood in jubilation.
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In 2017, as my dad prepared for another Middle East deployment, the Army-Navy game held a bittersweet significance. Moving overseas and dealing with time zone differences made it challenging to watch in real-time, yet it remained a touchstone to the familiar amidst constant change.
Amid the flux of military life, finding constants becomes crucial. The commissary, Exchange stores, and cherished family traditions provide a sense of stability. As I navigate college life, creating new routines, reconnecting with the Army-Navy game is a cherished link to my childhood and family. It’s not about turning it into a grand event but about maintaining that connection and, of course, beating Navy.
As I follow the game, it’s not just about football—it’s about preserving a century-old tradition, finding solace in familiar moments, and carrying forward the spirit of competition that defines the Army-Navy legacy.
