WCAP PAVES THE WAY FOR (MANY) OLYMPIC SERVICE MEMBERS


By bblouin
Army WCAP Soldier competing in track and field.

For some service members, multiple callings prove too loud to ignore. This is where the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) helps athletes push for Olympic glory while also serving our nation. There are multiple WCAP programs that help advance athletics in the United States while also promoting our military on a world stage.

What Is WCAP?

WCAP is an initiative put on by the U.S. Army that allows active duty Soldiers, Guardsmen, and Reservists the chance to train and compete in international sporting events with the hope of making the Olympics. The program is open to athletes trying to earn a spot on both the U.S. Olympic team and the U.S. Paralympic team. Participants are all able to practice and compete; however, they also retain their military careers while representing their teams. In doing so, athletes are given a chance to live out their dreams while also serving their country and the military gets a boot from the inspiring stories the Olympic Games never fail to produce Wrestling is a popular event within WCAP, although the program is open to all sports, so long as they are held in the Olympic Games.

Airmen Have a Program as Well

Soldiers aren’t the only service members allowed to get in on the fun. The Air Force World Class Athlete Program also allows Airmen who are Olympic hopefuls to compete internationally. The Air Force WCAP is similar to the Army’s, in which service members focus on their sport, and fight to compete, and the military reaps the benefits in marketing and recruiting. Just like Soldiers, Airmen who participate maintain their military careers while representing the United States in their sport.

Qualifying for the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program

In order to be a part of WCAP, you’re going to need to be either a Soldier or an Airmen; however, there are some other standards to maintain:

  • First and foremost, it’s not enough to serve, you’ll also need to be in good standing.
  • You must be working towards playing in the Olympics, including participation in trials.
  • For Soldiers, you must complete Advanced Individual Training if you are enlisted or the Officer Basic Course if you are an Officer.
  • Furthermore, there are various physical standards, which are updated from time to time, expected of each athlete to maintain. Developmental athletes are not allowed to participate in the WCAP.

There Is No WCAP for Sailors or Marines

Alas, not everyone serving in the U.S. military can participate in the WCAP, as the Navy does not have a program available for Sailors or Marines. But that doesn’t mean the Navy doesn’t compete in the Olympics. There have been at least 74 people who have attended the Naval Academy who have represented America in the Olympic Games. One notable example is hall-of-fame fencing legend Lieutenant George G. Calnan, who was in more Olympiads than any other man to attend the Naval Academy. Sadly, a year after Los Angeles 1932 Calnan and 72 others would die in a crash involving the USS Akron hairship crash in 1933. It takes a lot of grit, sacrifice, and strength to become an Olympian. So, it’s no surprise that these traits carry through in sport and in serving one’s country. The WCAP may not be available to everyone, but it’s a great way for athletes to represent their country in multiple ways. Hopefully, this will lead to success in defending our nation and representing our nation’s athletic prowess on the world stage. Read next:


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