since it is kinda applies to both your posts.

Mercury, I don't disagree with you that the federal government shouldn't be spending more money on collegiate athletics then it is already doing now to support the 5 academies. However, I am not sure how it is any different than seeing a branch of the military being either a primary or secondary sponsor in professional motor sports or some other professional league.

Goldendomer, I don't doubt any of the 3 academies currently don't want to be affiliated with any P5 conference.

(For both) If it appears that it is looking more likely that the power conferences will be shrinking from 5 to 4 as been suggested on here numerous times, then it isn't out of the realm of possibility that someone in DoD/Congress (doesn't really matter who) could have the foresight that the next evolution of DI college football is that either the power conference form a new division level under the NCAA umbrella, form a third subdivision within DI, or form their own association. That same individual may believe it is easier for 3 academies to join the party while the P5s are shifting to the P4s, then when the P4s decide their next move.

Personally I don't believe the academies should be affiliated with the power conferences because their mission is completely different than everyone else. However, I can understand why someone in DoD or Congress may think they should be because of the amount of exposure gained as a recruiting tool for the various branches of military.