Good Questions.
Clear Expectations.

Absolutely not! All Cadets and Recruits must be currently crime-free, drug-free and have the desire to do well in school. We do not accept young people who are court-ordered, sent against their will, etc. Minor school discipline issues will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Every participant must be at camp because they want to be there.

Compare the experience and screening of the Cadre, training facilities, course objectives and purpose of the program. We are operated by Liberty Communications, LLC at Camp Liberty.

Why Choose XMC? ↗ · Compare Programs ↗

We are a civilian-operated program owned and operated by Liberty Communications, LLC. We are not part of the U.S. Armed Forces, ROTC or JROTC. Our former U.S. Army Cadet Command sponsorship is historical. XMC does not currently hold a U.S. Army Cadet Command contract or sponsorship, and the former relationship does not imply current Army endorsement. Participants from other youth career-exploration programs may attend if they meet XMC’s requirements.

Our primary focus is residential career exploration through hands-on military-style training. JROTC is a school-based citizenship and leadership program that also supports college and career readiness. Attending XMC does not create a military enlistment obligation.

How XMC Differs from JROTC ↗

We offer career exploration; attendance is not required for military enlistment. Challengers explore military life and other service-oriented career paths. The program is intended to develop confidence, discipline, teamwork and leadership through willing participation.

Age 13 is within the general CBT age range of 13–18. Readiness and willing participation matter. Advanced courses have their own minimum ages, prerequisites, fitness standards and selection requirements. Returning Ranger candidates must be 15+; the first-year CBT + Ranger package is 16+. Female Cadets may enroll only in Ranger Session 2, with at least three qualified female Cadets enrolled.

Training is intentionally demanding, with long, structured days and realistic military-style instruction. Cadre bring military, civilian and youth-program experience. They work with teenagers, with the purpose of developing leadership, confidence and responsibility while keeping safety central.

Yes. An initial payment reserves a place, followed by monthly installments; the balance is due before arrival. Payment-plan details and current enrollment terms ↗

Yes. XMC Recruits, Cadets and Cadre wear modified uniforms with distinctive XMC insignia that identify a civilian program. New Recruits receive the CBT personal issue listed in the Parents’ Guide. Returning-course and winter requirements differ.

Recruit Issue List ↗ · 2026 Parents’ Guide ↗

XMC Cadre include military and civilian professionals selected for relevant experience, qualifications and suitability to work with young people. Staff undergo background screening and youth-protection preparation.

Meet the Leadership and Cadre ↗

Yes. A physical examination, complete health history and advance medication screening are required; approval is case by case. Medication administration carries a weekly fee shown in CampMinder. Medical forms, medication approval, packaging and R-Day turn-in ↗

Cell phones are turned in on arrival. Families stay connected through letters, the Family Readiness Group, official updates and limited calls subject to training schedules.

Communication, Calls and Photos ↗

Order and pay MSgt Jack Braden’s company directly. Camp Liberty does not process photography orders, and Liberty Communications, LLC makes no profit from photography purchases.

Official Photographer, Ordering & Mission Book ↗

Friends and Family Night is Friday evening at Camp Liberty. Graduation Review is Saturday at 10 a.m. at West Point High School in West Point, Alabama. Visit the authorized areas during the scheduled family event; Challenger barracks remain off-limits for privacy and youth protection. Unscheduled visits during training are not permitted. Immediate family members on active duty, in the Reserve or retired from the Armed Forces may visit in uniform with advance Commander approval; request permission through Admissions. Follow Friday-evening visitor and release instructions in the 2026 Parents’ Guide and Official Facebook Updates. See Family Events and Graduation Planning ↗

Tuition covers instruction, curriculum, participant lodging, standard meals and local transportation to scheduled training facilities. Equipment issue varies by course, and additional personal, travel and medical costs may apply. Full tuition inclusions and additional costs ↗

We do not provide scholarship funding for new Recruits. The listed XMC course scholarships are for returning Cadets only. New Recruit families may explore eligible discounts, independent military-family grants and community sponsorship; outside awards depend on provider approval and available funds.

Returning Cadet Scholarships ↗ · Outside Funding for Families ↗ · XMC Discounts ↗

Use Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM). Transfers serve enrolled Challengers only; parents arrange their own transportation. Flight Windows, Fees & Transfer Instructions ↗

XMC helps young people explore military culture, leadership and career options across the Armed Forces, as well as the uniformed Public Health Service and NOAA. Participants learn about ROTC, federal and state military academies, enlisted careers and civilian community service.

The experience can help a young person make an informed decision. It does not guarantee admission to a service academy.

CBT and Ranger School have different graduation requirements. Before attending, work toward a one-mile run and 15 consecutive push-ups as preparation, rather than an admission test. Fitness requirements, PFT scoring and preparation ↗

Recruits may report in a plain black polo. Cadets must wear an emblematic black polo with the official XMC logo. Both wear khaki trousers and a belt; follow the authorized footwear and grooming instructions. R-Day Attire Requirements ↗

Male Recruits receive the required crewcut on Receiving Day; there are no exceptions. Hair is cut by a licensed barber. Returning male Cadets and female Challengers follow the program’s published grooming instructions. Returning Cadet haircuts and every subsequent haircut after Basic Training cost $15 each and are paid for by the Cadet, typically every two weeks.

Grooming Standards and Haircut Charges ↗

Enrollment payments are nonrefundable. Credit eligibility depends on when and why participation is cancelled or ends. Eligible credit may be used for three camp seasons. Review the complete Enrollment Deferment Policy for percentages, deadlines, medical documentation, transfers and additional charges before paying.

No discounts of any kind apply after Apr 1. A late fee applies after Jun 1. Specialty-course exclusions apply; confirm eligibility for your selected course or package and obtain any required approval and code before enrollment. Discounts cannot be added retroactively.