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Elite Warrior Athlete Program Is Open to Reserve Marines

MARADMIN 040/26·February 12, 2026·2 min read·Official source
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HQMC Semper Fit is taking applications for the Elite Warrior Athlete program, the renamed version of what used to be called the Exceptional Athlete program. If you compete seriously in an individual sport and want to represent the Marine Corps at national championships, Olympic trials, or similar high-level events, this is the program for it. It sits outside the All-Marine Sports program and is specifically for athletes who compete at a higher level independently.

Heads up: You need your CO's approval to apply, and HQMC funds participation based on competitive level and financial feasibility, so nothing is guaranteed.

Who it affects

Active Component Marines, SMCR Marines, and Marines on ADOS orders. The program targets highly competitive individual-sport athletes. A list of eligible sports is at https://armedforcessports.defense.gov/Sports/, though that list is not exhaustive.

What you need to do

Your application needs to include scores from the following All-Marine Sports standard testing events:

  1. Three-rep max hex-bar or barbell deadlift, bench press, and squat
  2. One-rep max broad jump and pro-agility test
  3. Three-mile and 880-yard times from your most recent fitness tests

On top of the physical testing, it is strongly recommended you include documentation of prior competitive experience (high school, collegiate, Olympic, or equivalent) and any awards or recognition in your sport.

Get your CO's endorsement. Commanding officers must approve participation, and they are encouraged to endorse athletes who reflect Marine Corps core values and can raise the Corps' visibility nationally or internationally.

Find the application form and instructions at https://www.usmc-mccs.org/allmarinesports.

Email your completed application to allmarinesports@usmc-mccs.org.

If approved, you will be placed in Temporary Additional Duty (TAD) status for the events. Your CO retains the ability to recall you if needed.

Key dates

The MARADMIN does not specify an application deadline. Contact the POCs below to confirm current windows before you start putting your packet together.

  • J. Hines: joel.hines@usmc-mccs.org / 703-432-5472
  • M. Sebaaly: michael.sebaaly@usmc-mccs.org / 703-432-9577

The official version

This is MARADMIN 040/26, released by HQMC Manpower and Reserve Affairs on 10 February 2026.

This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.

Resources & references

The documents this bulletin points to, with a plain-English note on why each matters. Links marked CAC required need a government login.

  • Armed Forces Sports eligible sports list

    This document lists the 16 sports sanctioned under the U.S. Armed Forces Sports program, including basketball, rugby, triathlon, and esports. Reservists who compete or want to compete in one of these sports at the military level can use it to confirm whether their sport is eligible.

  • All-Marine Sports application form and testing information

    This document contains the application forms and required physical test standards for Marines who want to compete in All-Marine Sports, which can lead to Armed Forces Championships, national competitions, CISM Military World Championships, and the Olympics. Reserve Marines on active orders are eligible to apply, and HQMC covers travel costs for those selected to Trial Camps and higher-level competition.

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Elite Warrior Athlete Program Is Open to Reserve Marines — Reservable