A major challenge confronting the United States Army is to obtain optimal performance from both its human and machine resources. This study examines episodes of peak performance in soldiers and athletes. Three cognitive components were found to enable episodes of peak performance: psychological readiness (activating optimal arousal and emotion appropriate for the task), information processing (attending to and interpreting key stimuli), and endurance management (controlling fatigue and pain for sustained performance). There is also evidence suggesting that endorphins underlie these three processes. Accordingly, performance can be enhanced through two strategies. One technique is teaching self-regulation of endorphin levels. The other more immediately available solution is to use contemporary sports psychology training techniques to optimize cognitive processes underlying superior performance. With either strategy, optimal performance will result from an enhanced ability to cope specifically and continuously tailored to meet the conditions and demands of a particular activity. A seven-page reference list is included. (Author/ABL)