Lessons in Team Leadership: What Can Leaders Learn from the Army-Navy Game Prisoner Exchange?

"Upon fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that upon other fields, on other days, will bear the fruits of victory."

-General Douglas MacArthur

Every year, the Army and Navy teams, one of the greatest rivalries in sports, compete on numerous fields in various sports, but the game that gets the most attention is the annual Army-Navy football game.

The Army-Navy Game is unique in that “it's the only game where everyone playing is willing to fight for everyone watching." This is not just a game; it's a reflection of the deep-seated commitment these cadets and midshipmen have to their future roles in defending the nation. The rivalry is played out on the 'fields of friendly strife,' where the foundation for collaboration across the military branches is set and will pay off in future conflicts. 

Team Learning Tip 1: At work, do you have a ‘field of friendly strife’ that creates the foundation for collaboration across the organization?  Many organizations are striving for effective cross-team collaboration, but they expect it to just happen naturally.

 Amidst the fierce competition on the field, the prisoner exchange ceremony is a heartwarming ritual that reflects mutual respect and the profound commitment both academies have toward developing well-rounded military leaders.  Before the game, the cadets from West Point and the midshipmen from the Naval Academy march to midfield to be ceremoniously returned to their respective academies. These cadets and midshipmen are considered "prisoners" because they spent the semester studying at the other academy through the Service Academy Exchange Program. The exchange embodies not only the rivalry but also the underlying unity and respect between the two institutions. These students immerse themselves in the other academy's culture, curriculum, and daily life, fostering inter-service understanding and collaboration, which, as mentioned above, will serve the military well in future conflicts.

The prisoner exchange underscores the academies' shared mission to prepare officers who can work seamlessly across the branches of the armed forces. Both service academies acknowledge the importance of cross-service exposure by allowing cadets and midshipmen to study and train alongside their counterparts at the sister academy. This experience equips future officers with a broader perspective, enhancing their ability to lead joint military operations, a critical component of modern warfare.

The exchange also illustrates the personal and professional growth that comes from stepping outside one's comfort zone. Cadets and midshipmen who participate in the program return with a deeper appreciation for the culture and traditions of their sister academy. They gain insights into different leadership styles, training methods, and operational priorities, fostering mutual respect and reducing inter-service rivalries. This growth and understanding inspire them to be better leaders and team members, serving as a powerful reminder of the potential for personal growth and understanding in all of us. 

Team Learning Tip 2: Understanding grows when we can “put ourselves in the shoes of the other person,” which these military men and women get to do quite literally through the prisoner exchange.  By thinking outside the box, organizations can provide similar experiences for their employees.  The ROI on the understanding bridged between two departments or teams will provide positive impacts on the organization well into the future. 

The ceremony at the Army-Navy game highlights the bond that transcends the rivalry. As the cadets and midshipmen march onto the field, the audience witnesses a rare moment where competition and camaraderie coexist. The exchange is a moving reminder that, despite the playful jabs and spirited chants, both academies are part of a greater mission to protect and serve the nation. 

Team Learning Tip 3: We see this play out in organizations, where each department or team is part of a greater organizational mission but also acting in competition with each other.  Mastering the right blend of competition and camaraderie within and between the teams in an organization can be a difficult but powerful thing to achieve.

Beyond its symbolic value, the prisoner exchange demonstrates the academies' shared commitment to academic and leadership excellence. It shows that West Point and Annapolis view their students not as mere representatives of their institutions and branches but as future leaders of the entire U.S. military. By supporting the academic exchange program, the academies invest in developing officers who can think critically, collaborate effectively, and lead decisively in joint and coalition environments. This commitment is a source of pride and reassurance for the military community and the nation, as security is necessary for freedom.

In a game that celebrates rivalry, the prisoner exchange serves as a moment of unity, embodying the values of respect, adaptability, and shared purpose. It reminds everyone that while the Army and Navy may compete fiercely on the football field, they ultimately stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of the nation, Crushing It together. This shared mission and sense of camaraderie is what truly makes the Army-Navy game a victory for America.

Regardless of what team comes out on top - America Wins! 🇺🇸

Thriving Teams Institute is a learning institute and organizational development company that provides training and coaching to upskill leaders and teams to become more effective.

With deep experience in both research and practice, we have come to know that when teams learn together, they can thrive together.

Through team learning, we believe that organizations can create cultures that support innovation, better navigate the human elements of teaming, and build team capability to realize new levels of success.