ADVANCED SPECIALTIES / RUN · CRSAccept the Challenge.
Cadet Ranger School
Accept the Challenge.
Earn the Distinction.
Demanding field training that tests endurance, resilience, fieldcraft and small-unit leadership through performance.
Camp Liberty · Battleground, Alabama · Cullman County, North Alabama
$2,750–$2,800 by session · tuition
ADVANCED SPECIALTIES / RUN
Cadet Ranger School
DURATION2 weeks
WHO IT IS FORHighly motivated CBT graduates
AGE / PLACEMENTReturning Cadets: 15+
ENTRY POINTCBT graduation + age and performance standards
- Dates
- Jun 27–Jul 10 · Jul 11–Jul 24
- Tuition · USD
- $2,750–$2,800 by session · View Session Details ↗
Female Cadets: Session 2 only (July 11–24, 2027); at least three qualified female Cadets must be enrolled. All prerequisites and standards apply.
Tuition includes: instruction, Challenger lodging, standard meals and scheduled local training transportation.
Budget separately for: travel, BHM airport transfers, medication administration, photography, selected special meals, required personal items and additional haircuts. Review final charges in CampMinder before paying.
Complete Inclusions & Additional Costs ↗ · Nonrefundable Payment Terms ↗
01 / THE MISSION
Graduation Is Earned Through Performance.
The Extreme Military Challenge! Cadet Ranger School is the most physically and mentally demanding course offered at Camp Liberty. Designed for highly motivated Cadets, this advanced leadership program develops endurance, resilience, fieldcraft, tactical decision-making, and small-unit leadership under stress.
02 / TRAINING FOCUS
Build on What You Have Earned.
A clear view of the areas covered
through instruction and practical experience.
Land Navigation
Fieldcraft and Obstacle Negotiation
Leadership Reaction Exercises
Tactical Decision-making
Team Missions and Continuous Evaluation
Explore the full course outline
Preparation and Course Progression.
CFLC and the Cadet Tactical Skills Training Course are strongly recommended preparation. Arrive physically fit, mentally resilient and ready to meet the graduation requirements.
If a Cadet Leaves Ranger Training.
Cadets who do not meet required standards transfer to another appropriate XMC leadership course. Cadets who voluntarily withdraw are expected to continue in CFLC. A Cadet who chooses to leave training entirely instead will be discharged from XMC and will not be eligible for future participation.
The Tab and the Next Leadership Step.
Successful Ranger School graduation earns the XMC Cadet Ranger Tab. The Brown Beret is a separate distinction earned through the Cadet Ranger Leadership Course and Course Director recommendation.
See the female Session 2 arrangements, entry requirements and selection evaluation for the applicable rules.
BEFORE RANGER TRAINING
Earn the Opportunity
To Continue.
Acceptance into Ranger training depends on CBT performance and passing the CRS evaluation. Paying for a combined package does not guarantee continuation or graduation.
One Opportunity at the Selection Evaluation
A candidate has one opportunity to pass the CRS evaluation test for that training sequence. This selection rule is separate from the continuing standards required during Ranger School. Candidates who do not meet the standard transfer to CFLC or another appropriate XMC leadership course under program policy.
Entry PFT and graduation are separate standards
The published returning-Cadet fitness entry score is 180 total points on the XMC entry PFT: push-ups in two minutes, sit-ups in two minutes and a timed two-mile run. Review the separate Ranger fitness, march and performance requirements for graduation.
The downloadable 2026 Parents’ Guide is a dated preparation reference; the updated Ranger requirements on this page govern the course.
03 / PLAN YOUR TRAINING
Know the Dates.
Make Your Plan.
Swipe sideways to see all columns. Keyboard users can focus the table and use the arrow keys.
| Session | Start | End | Graduation | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | Jun 27 | Jul 10 | Jul 10 | $2,800 |
| Session 2 | Jul 11 | Jul 24 | Jul 24 | $2,750 |
Session 1
- Dates
- Jun 27 – Jul 10
- Graduation
- Jul 10
- Tuition
- $2,800
Session 2
- Dates
- Jul 11 – Jul 24
- Graduation
- Jul 24
- Tuition
- $2,750
Prices are in U.S. dollars. Confirm availability, eligibility and final charges in CampMinder. Tuition, Discounts & Additional Costs ↗ · Nonrefundable Payment Terms ↗
Visiting for this graduation? Review summer family-event locations, times and release instructions ↗
FEMALE RANGER ENROLLMENT
Session 2 Only.
Female Cadets may enroll only in Cadet Ranger School Session 2, July 11–24, 2027. At least three qualified female Cadets must be enrolled for a female training element to run.
All age, prerequisite, selection, fitness and graduation standards still apply. Returning Cadets must be at least 15; first-year Challengers continuing from CBT must be at least 16.
OPTIONAL CADET UNIFORM
OCP Authorization.
Optional OCP wear has eligibility, purchase and insignia requirements. Review the complete OCP policy before buying or wearing these items.
THE COURSE IN ACTION
Inside Cadet Ranger School.
Teams carry the load, negotiate obstacles and practice fieldcraft under instructor direction.
Read the Cadet Ranger Creed ↗ · Ranger packing requirements ↗
XMC PROGRAM INFORMATION
Understand the Administrative Terms.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Walk-off | Requested removal from the roster before training commenced; the Cadet never started the course. |
| Walk-on | Not originally enrolled; added to the roster based on available openings and demonstrated performance. Current age, prerequisite and command-approval requirements still apply. First-summer Cadets must be at least 16; there is no under-16 walk-on exception. |
| Initial PT failure | Failed the initial physical fitness assessment and was therefore ineligible to continue training. |
| Drop on request | Voluntarily requested removal from the course after training had commenced. |
| Med drop | Removed from training by the Medical Aid Station because of medical concerns affecting the Cadet’s health or safety. |
These administrative terms describe roster status only. They are not indicators of character or potential.
CADET RANGER SCHOOL GRADUATION
Meet the Higher Ranger Standard.
All Cadets must meet or exceed the applicable age-band standard. Complete all physical fitness events on the same day, in PT uniform, with adequate recovery between events. The age bands describe scoring; they do not change enrollment eligibility. Returning Cadets must be at least 15, and first-year Cadets continuing from CBT must be at least 16.
| Event | Ages 13–15 scoring band | Ages 16–18 scoring band |
|---|---|---|
| Push-ups in two minutes | 35 | 42 |
| Sit-ups in two minutes | 45 | 55 |
| Strict pull-ups | 3 | 5 |
| Five-mile run | Under 50:00 | Under 45:00 |
Eight-mile Foot March.
Complete the eight-mile foot march within two hours with the prescribed packing list, including a 35-pound dry load, tactical vest and assigned weapon.
Training and Leadership Evaluation.
- Maintain 100% attendance and be prepared and reliable.
- Demonstrate leadership, teamwork and a Cadet-first attitude.
- Complete all required classes, written examinations and practical evaluations.
- Successfully complete assigned land navigation, ruck marches, obstacle courses and tactical lanes.
- Uphold Respect, Integrity and Pride through character and discipline; cheating and misconduct are unacceptable.
- Complete the Final Challenge Event, evaluating mental toughness, physical endurance and leadership under stress.
- Learn the Cadet Ranger Creed, which is taught and recited daily.
Qualified female and male Cadets meet the same standards. Arrive with a positive attitude, train for excellence and prepare your mind and body before the course. Report illness, injury and safety concerns promptly through the published safety procedures.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Ready for Your
Next Challenge?
Enroll For 2027 ↗Questions about the right course or next step? Talk with Admissions.855-XMC-CAMPadmissions@xmccamp.com ↗