A member of the WCAP taekwondo team practices a kick A member of the WCAP taekwondo team practices a kick

World Class Athlete Program

Reach your personal best as a Soldier and an athlete. You can pursue your career goals in the Army while competing in sporting competitions around the world.

Where Soldier Meets Olympian

The World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) is an incredible opportunity to represent the country you serve in top national and international competitions—including the Summer and Winter Olympics.

Two soldiers in combat uniform holding medals from various Olympics Two soldiers in combat uniform holding medals from various Olympics

FULFILL YOUR PASSION TO SERVE AND COMPETE

As a WCAP athlete, you’ll not only get to compete in your sport throughout the year, but you’ll also earn the great pay and benefits that come with being a Soldier in the Army. Additionally, you’ll get specialized coaching, access to state-of-the-art training facilities, sports medicine, and physical therapy to help you perform at your best.

A female World Class Athlete standing and holding a US Flag behind her A female World Class Athlete standing and holding a US Flag behind her

Competing as a Soldier-Athlete

To help our athletes train and compete at the highest level in various Olympic and Paralympic sports, the WCAP has established training centers throughout the country that specialize in boxing, wrestling, modern pentathlon, and more.

In addition to their athletic commitments, WCAP Soldiers participate in a variety of outreach activities, such as hosting clinics, speaking to high school and college students, as well as meeting with professional sports teams.

A male World Class Athlete competing in track and field events A male World Class Athlete competing in track and field events

A Legacy of Success

Since its launch, the World Class Athlete Program has helped hundreds of Soldier-athletes achieve their athletic goals and make their Olympic dreams a reality while serving in the Army.

  • Over 75 Years of Soldier-Athletes: While the WCAP was established in 1997, the U.S. Army has been training Soldier-athletes for over 75 years
  • 450 Olympians: We're proud of our Soldier-athletes and coaches who serve and represent the U.S. at the Summer and Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games
  • Over 100 Medals: Not only are our Soldier-athletes competitive, but they're among the best in their sport with a growing medal count to prove it

Three cyclists riding in a pace line on a velodrome Three cyclists riding in a pace line on a velodrome

See OUR ATHLETES in Action

Watch our World Class Athletes compete on the biggest stages around the world, stay up to date with results, and see what it takes to be on the team.

A male Olympic wrestler with a US Flag draped over his shoulders A male Olympic wrestler with a US Flag draped over his shoulders

what it takes to become a World Class Athlete

While WCAP gives all Soldiers an opportunity to be considered, Soldier-athletes must meet these basic requirements:

  • Current Soldier: Athletes must be a current member of any Army component; Enlisted Soldiers must complete Advanced Individual Training (AIT) and commissioned Officers must complete Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC)
  • Elite-Level Athlete: Athletes must be at an elite level and eligible or become eligible to represent the USA in international competitions based on specific requirements determined by their sport

A female swimmer resting at the side of the pool during the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games A female swimmer resting at the side of the pool during the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games

Every World Class Athlete is a Soldier First

To become a member of any Army team, you must first become a Soldier. Explore the variety of career opportunities the Army offers and see what it takes to join.


Talk to a Recruiter

Don’t worry, there’s no obligation if you reach out.

Thanks for reaching out,

Here's What Happens Next

  1. You'll receive an email confirming your request

  2. We'll provide additional information about next steps

  3. You'll work with us to decide whether the Army is right for you

Questions you may have right now

Who will reach out to me?

One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

Who will reach out to me?

One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

What will you ask me?

Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How can the Army help me pay for college?

Do I have to go to Basic Training?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How can the Army help me pay for college?

What is the time commitment for part-time service?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Can the Army help me pay for medical school?

Do I have to go to Basic Training?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?

How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?

Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?

No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.

Thanks for reaching out,

Here's What Happens Next

  1. You'll receive an email confirming your request

  2. We'll provide additional information about next steps

  3. You'll work with us to decide whether the Army is right for you

Questions you may have right now

Who will reach out to me?

One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

What will you ask me?

Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Do I qualify to join the Army?

Can I join as an Officer?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Do I qualify to join the Army?

Can I join as an Officer?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?

Can the Army help me pay for medical school?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Can I join ROTC at my age

Can I join as an Officer?

Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?

No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.

Thanks for reaching out, .

We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.

Questions you may have right now

How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?

To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you

How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?

Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.

How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?

To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.

What are the ways to serve part-time?

You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.

How do I become a health care provider in the Army?

You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.

What types of medical careers are available in the Army?

There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.

What are the benefits of joining ROTC?

ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.

How do I prepare to join ROTC?

When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.

Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?

Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.

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