I am applying to the Military Academies as well as civilian schools, but I want to apply to a college ED because I know how hard it is to get into an Academy. But would colleges be understanding if I back out of a commitment because I got into an academy… the academies don’t usually post decisions till later on !
ED is binding. So, no, you need to apppy RD (or EA were available) if you would pick a service academy over the ED school.
If you’re not sure what school you want to go to then you shouldn’t apply to any school through ED. As you know, ED is binding and it’s unethical to back out of that commitment because you heard back from another school.