SUMMER 2027 ENROLLMENT IS OPEN

TRAINING REFERENCES

Build Your
Military Knowledge.

Use these preparation resources to become familiar with military terms, traditions and structure.

Challengers sit together for indoor instruction while a uniformed instructor addresses the group
Learning together during indoor instruction at XMC.

XMC IN PLAIN LANGUAGE

Know the Words.
Understand the Routine.

Challenger
An XMC participant. Recruits and Cadets are collectively called Challengers.
Recruit
A participant who has not yet successfully completed Cadet Basic Training.
Cadet
A Challenger who has successfully completed XMC Cadet Basic Training and earned the title.
Cadre
The adult staff who lead, teach and support the program.
CBT
Cadet Basic Training: the foundation for advanced XMC courses.
CFLC and CRS
Cadet Field Leader Course and Cadet Ranger School.
Rack and latrine
A rack is a bunk or bed. A latrine is the bathroom and washroom area.
DFAC
The dining facility, where Challengers eat their meals.
Guidon
A unit flag that identifies the group and represents its shared pride.
FTX
A field training exercise: supervised practice applying skills in a realistic setting.
Military time and everyday examples

XMC schedules use a 24-hour clock. Common examples are 0600 for 6:00 a.m., 1200 for noon, 1500 for 3:00 p.m. and 1800 for 6:00 p.m. Follow the schedule issued by Cadre.

Fire guard: Learn your assigned duties and reporting instructions from Cadre. Explore Barracks Life ↗

Mail call: Follow the current mailing and family-contact instructions. Letters, Calls and Photos ↗

Hair preparation: Follow XMC Grooming Standards ↗ when preparing for arrival.

Practice respectful responses

Instructors teach the expected form of address and responses during training. These examples help you become familiar with the language before arrival:

  • Yes, Sir (Ma’am).
  • No, Sir (Ma’am).
  • No excuse, Sir (Ma’am).
  • Sir (Ma’am), I do not know.
  • Sir (Ma’am), I do not understand.
  • Sir (Ma’am), may I make a statement?
  • Sir (Ma’am), may I ask a question?

These background references introduce military terminology, customs and routines. Your XMC course instructions and Cadre identify the preparation required for your program.

For hair preparation, follow the current XMC Grooming Standards ↗. External Army background videos do not replace XMC’s program instructions.

These linked training resources support preparation. They do not imply U.S. Army sponsorship of XMC. Follow current program guidance and instructor direction.

WATCH & LEARN

Background Videos.

Use these videos to become familiar with the subject. Your course instructions and Cadre identify required preparation and teach the XMC standard.

Hair Preparation for Female Trainees

Army Future Soldier Center · 3:00

Watch on YouTube ↗

Preparing Short Hair

Army Future Soldier Center · 1:22

Watch on YouTube ↗

Tips for Preparing for Basic Training

iguardcalifornia · 3:17

Watch on YouTube ↗

Preparing Long Hair

Army Future Soldier Center · 2:58

Watch on YouTube ↗

YOUR NEXT STEP

Choose Your Next Preparation Topic.

Training Preparation Library ↗
Follow the current course instructions and Cadre direction.2026 Parents’ Guide · Enrolled Families ↗

Video from the official program or a linked training resource. Watch on YouTube ↗