WCAP? Marine equivalent?

[Ufoz8mycow]

Well fellas, I am venturing to say that I have a question that hasnt really been covered too much on this board (yeah, I searched). There was that article about the West Point grad who was drafted into the NFL, but thats a different situation and that's Army.

I am heading to OCS in May 09 on a flight contract after I graduate and during the time while I was applying none of this was even on my radar screen. Anyways, I have been invited to the tryout camp for the US National team in bobsledding which takes place in December, this is a new development.

I did a little bit of Yahoo searching and found out about the WCAP (World class athlete program in the Navy and Army) but spotty information about what the Marines offered for elite athletes. I know that we have something like that in the Corps, but I was wondering if any of you could shed a little more light on the subject. I read something about requesting "special assignment" where you are able to go and train for a certain number of months with your athletic program before you are required to return to your regular assignment with the Corps.

Being an officer and flying are definitely my number one priorities, but it would be really sad if I had to pass up a potential opportunity to be an Olympian (if I end up making the team). So yeah, any info would be great.

 

[Uncle Fester]

I'll just say that if you're hoping to be able to do this while in the flight program...keep dreamin'. Once you're winged? Maybe.

 

[Ufoz8mycow]

Any reason in particular that you say that? Have you got any experience with this or heard anything about it?

 

[BACONATOR]

Any reason in particular that you say that? Have you got any experience with this or heard anything about it?

Well since he's winged, I imagine he has a pretty good idea as to the rigors of flight school. As someone just starting advanced, I'd saying that if you have any other obligations or pastimes besides the odd PT session, bike ride, golf game, bowling etc, then you're going to be spreading yourself pretty thin and likely one of your endeavors is going to suffer or end in failure.

 

[cisforsmasher]

Chill, negative nancy. A good friend of mine took time after commissioning to join the Marine Corps cycling team. I do not recall if he went to TBS first or not. After completing his time with the team, he reported to flight school (or TBS, i do not remember which). He is now finishing up in Kingsville. I will get a hold of him and ask if he can help you.

 

[Ufoz8mycow]

Chill, negative nancy. A good friend of mine took time after commissioning to join the Marine Corps cycling team. I do not recall if he went to TBS first or not. After completing his time with the team, he reported to flight school (or TBS, i do not remember which). He is now finishing up in Kingsville. I will get a hold of him and ask if he can help you.

Nice, thanks I appreciate that. That's what I was hoping for. I know its possible, I just dont know how exactly it happens in terms of going to TBS and then reporting to flight school.

 

[Ufoz8mycow]

Big surprise... Bobsledding isnt on that list.

So the question remains, what would someone in my position do if I were to make the national team? World Championships are at the end of 2009 and obviously, the Olympics are in 2010. I wouldnt have to train constantly during that time period, but probably at least for a period of 6 months before Worlds and a little more for the Olympics...

 

[Harrier Dude]

Keep pressing for both, in the order that they matter to you. If you make the team, you can bring it up to your chain of command for help. The Marine Corps loves good PR for stuff like this. I can honestly see them supporting you on this, but no promises at this point. Just keep your priorities straight and your chain of command informed in a respectful, non-whining, "I will do what is best for the Corps......yut" kind of way.

I wouldn't be surpised either way. They might give you six months TAD to go kick ass and bring home a gold for Corps and Country, or they may not even give you a day off for the day of the gold medal race (even if you weren't scheduled anyway).

First things first. Make the team, don't let it affect your military obligations, and ask for help when you need it.

Then take what you get.

Good luck! I hope you make it.

 

[Ufoz8mycow]

Thanks for the good words... Tryout camp is being held in Lake Placid in December and I've already been training for a month since I got word that I was invited. Im training my ass off to make the team. My dad used to be the head coach of the Romanian national team in track and field (was roommates in college with Bella Caroli, the US women's gymnastics head coach) before he came to the US, so I've got a hell of an advantage working with him before going in to tryouts.

OCS isnt until May 09, and the bobsled team wouldnt be training at that point anyways (not much snow and ice in May).

In terms of priorities, the Marines come first. That is the long term career. I sent an email to my recruiter (who is out of town at the moment) about it so she can weigh in.

So yeah, hopefully it all works out.