 In New York City , Steve Rogers is rejected for World War II military recruitment because of various health and physical problems . While attending an exhibition of future technologies with his friend , Sgt. James " Bucky " Barnes , Rogers again attempts to enlist . Overhearing Rogers ' conversation with Barnes about wanting to help in the war , Dr. Abraham Erskine allows Rogers to enlist . He is recruited into the Strategic Scientific Reserve as part of a " super @-@ soldier " experiment under Erskine , Col. Chester Phillips , and British agent Peggy Carter . Phillips is unconvinced by Erskine 's claims that Rogers is the right person for the procedure but relents after seeing Rogers commit an act of self @-@ sacrificing bravery . The night before the treatment , Erskine reveals to Rogers that Schmidt underwent an imperfect version of the procedure and suffered permanent side @-@ effects . 
