ARMY SPORTS PROGRAMS

World Class Athlete Program (WCAP)

The United States Army World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) is one of more than 200 Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs the Army provides Soldiers and families worldwide through the U.S. Army Community and Family Support Center.

WCAP identifies exceptional Soldier-athletes and provides them the opportunity to compete in national and international events that lead to qualifying for the United States Olympic team. A Soldier selected for the WCAP must hold a national ranking from the governing body of his chosen sport and be certified as world class level by the United States Olympic Committee.

Through Army funding, WCAP soldier-athletes receive the best possible coaching, access to training venues, and state-of-the-art sports medicine, as well as opportunities to participate in top national and international competitions including the Olympic Games and national governing body amateur championships.

WCAP offers all members of the Army (Active, Reserve and National Guard) the same opportunity for selection. All soldiers must be in good military standing. Enlisted members must have completed Basic and Advanced Individual Training. All officers must have completed their branch Basic Officer Course. Selected Reserve and National Guard members will be brought on Active Duty to participate in the program. WCAP initiates soldiers into the program at least three years before the Olympic Trials. Soldiers applying for the program must demonstrate the ability to maintain a high national ranking in their specific sport.

Without a doubt, you will receive exceptional training from some of the country's best coaches and trainers. The Army has its own established training centers for sports such as boxing, wrestling and modern pentathlon. If you're involved with another sport, you will be assigned to a location, usually near a college or club with a proven record in international competition, where you will receive the best possible training. Assigned coaches may be civilian or military.

For more information or to initiate an application, contact the following:

Contact the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program by calling (877) 410-3537

Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU)

The United States Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) is a world-class shooting team. If you show them a target, you can be sure they will hit it. They are all U.S. Army Soldiers, and they are the best of the best.

Since 1956, these Soldier-athletes have gained worldwide respect by winning hundreds of individual and team competitions, including more 40 World Championships and 23 Olympic medals.

Shooting is their specialty, but competing is not their only skill. USAMU Soldiers assist in technical development of military small arms equipment and ammunition. They have the knowledge and they share it. They hold Train-the-Trainer clinics where they pass on this knowledge. They translate their competitive marksmanship skills into useful combat marksmanship.

The USAMU's expertise isn't only in hitting the target; members have their own Custom Firearms Shop, made up of gunsmiths, machinists, range technicians and ammunition loaders. Here top-quality competitive-grade rifles and pistols are built from the ground up. Their research and development efforts have led not only to enhanced accuracy and reliability on the competition field, but also on the battlefield.

For more information about joining this elite unit visit - http://www.usaac.army.mil

All Army Sports Program

The All Army Sports Program is designed to allow Soldiers to fulfill individual potential and rise to the highest possible level of performance.  Soldier-athletes must be Soldiers first and outstanding athletes second.  The All Army Sports Program is a crucible where athletic performance, military bearing and the human spirit of competition are realized. All Army Sports directly supports the readiness and well-being of Soldiers.  Participants may be selected to represent the Army in Armed Forces Sports Championships, National and International competitions. 

Soldier-athletes must apply for selection to the program.  Applications are reviewed by the All Army Sports staff at Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command (FMWRC), and the Army Coach of each designated sport.  Reviewing officials consider the background of applicants, to include recent past performances, athletic awards, and other standards.  The application may be supported by newspaper articles, letters of recommendation, award certificates, or other forms of support.  Command approval for selection is mandatory before applicants may be considered.

Counseil Internationale du Sport Militaire, known around the world as CISM, is comprised of over 100 nations whose military athletes compete annually around the theme of "Friendship Through Sports." Every four years, in the year prior to the Olympic Games, the member nations gather for the World Military Sports Games, which replicates the Olympic experience for military athletes.  Performance in the Armed Forces Championships is used to select participants for CISM competitions.

 For more information about this program - http://www.armymwr.com