The newer Navy esports team, called Goats & Glory, is set up similarly with 12 sailors assigned to participate full-time in about a dozen events a year. Now, there are more than 18,000 active-duty, reservists and National Guard soldiers who are members. He said there were about 7,000 soldiers who wanted to participate when the program first started in November 2018. So, why not esports?' questioned Army Sgt. 'We have every other traditional sport, just like in the World Class Athlete Program. The esports team has 11 soldiers who compete full time however, there are nearly 200 more soldiers who could get called upon to compete if needed - as long as their participation doesn't interfere with their unit's mission requirements. As the esports industry continues to grow exponentially, nearly every branch of the military now has an official service-sanctioned gaming program.įor some of these service members, that means it's actually their job to play video games.įor instance, soldiers on the Army's eSports team are assigned to the unit, much like soldiers are assigned to the Army Marksmanship Unit.
A lot has changed since then, but one thing is for sure - military members have continued to play video games.
