World Class Athlete Program

Reach your personal best.

The World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) is an incredible opportunity to represent the country you serve in top competitions around the world.

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

Fulfill your passion to serve and compete.

You can pursue your career goals in the Army while competing in national and international sporting events—including the Summer and Winter Olympics, as well as the Paralympic Games. As a WCAP athlete, you’ll not only get to compete throughout the year, but you’ll also earn the great pay, benefits, and more that come with being a Soldier in the Army.

A female World Class Athlete running with a Rugby ball
Compete in your sport at the highest level.
Train with specialized coaches to help you perform at your best.
Access state-of-the-art training facilities, sports medicine, and physical therapy.
Participate in outreach initiatives at clinics, high schools and colleges, and professional sports teams.

Soldier

Meets

Olympian.

Compete 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.

WCAP sports include:

  • Boxing
  • Cycling
  • Modern Pentathlon
  • Rugby Sevens
  • Shooting
  • Taekwondo
  • Track & Field
  • Winter Sports
  • Wrestling
  • Archery
  • Soccer
  • Swimming
  • Triathlon
  • And more

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 find out more about the team.

What it takes to become a World Class Athlete.

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

Option 01

Current Soldiers

  • Athletes must be a current member of any Army component (active duty, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard)
  • Enlisted Soldiers must complete Advanced Individual Training (AIT)
  • Commissioned Officers must complete Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC)
Option 02

Elite-Level Athletes

Athletes must be at an elite level and eligible or become eligible to represent the USA in international competitions based on specific requirements(Opens in new window) determined by their sport.

EVERY WORLD CLASS ATHLETE IS A SOLDIER FIRST. 

To become a WCAP member, you must first become a Soldier. See all the careers the Army offers and what it takes to join.

Army Career Match
Steps to Join
A female WCAP swimmer resting at the side of the pool

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.

A female Soldier in combat uniform holding medals from various Olympics

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.

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