Qualification Badges

The Badges. The Tabs. The Brassards.

Explore the original XMC insignia artwork below. Current program pathways and requirements follow.

Cadet Field Leader Qualification Badge ↗

Basic SCUBA Qualification Badge

The official black Cadet Engineer Qualification Badge held in a hand, with twin castle towers, a central torch and wreath — Cadet Engineer Qualification Badge ↗

Cadet Emergency Responder Qualification Badge

Basic Military Emergency Management Specialist Qualification Badge

Basic Search and Rescue Qualification Badge

Original XMC insignia artwork and the supplied photograph of the Engineer Qualification Badge. Follow current course requirements and Cadre direction for award and uniform-wear authorization.

Achievements Earned Through Training.

XMC program awards recognize completed training and performance. Some displayed badges reflect separate external qualifications. Cadre verify training or certification records and authorize wear; the external provider’s eligibility and approval rules apply to its credentials.

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Distinctions, qualification pathways and authorization
Distinction	How it is earned	Evidence and authorization
Title of Cadet	Successfully complete Cadet Basic Training ↗ requirements.	XMC verifies successful graduation.
Cadet Field Leader Qualification Badge	Successfully complete the Cadet Field Leader Course ↗.	Cadre verify graduation and authorize the badge and applicable devices.
Basic SCUBA Qualification Badge	Earn PADI Open Water Diver certification through the external certification provider.	Present the certification for Cadre verification and XMC wear authorization. Provider eligibility applies.
Cadet Engineer Qualification Badge	Successfully graduate from the Cadet Engineer Course ↗.	XMC issues the official badge to course graduates. Cadre verify graduation and wear authorization.
Cadet Emergency Responder Qualification Badge	Meet the common core and applicable Basic, Advanced or Senior requirements. Read the full three-level qualification pathway ↗.	Cadre review the qualification record for this individual award.
Basic Military Emergency Management Specialist Qualification Badge	Complete the external SGAUS Basic MEMS qualification process, including its academic and practicum documentation.	Current MEMS Academy Requirements ↗. Provider approval and Cadre wear authorization apply.
Basic Search and Rescue Qualification Badge	The SGAUS Basic SAR pathway includes IS-100, IS-200, IS-317, IS-700 and IS-800; NASAR SARTECH III; and current basic first aid and CPR.	Current SGAUS Application and Requirements ↗. SGAUS membership, provider review and Cadre wear authorization apply.
Cadet Medic Tab	Successfully complete Cadet Medic School ↗.	Cadre verify graduation. External EMR certification has its own eligibility and examination requirements.
Cadet Ranger Tab	Successfully complete Cadet Ranger School ↗.	Cadre verify completion of the school’s graduation standards.
Cadet Military Police Brassard	Meet Cadet Military Police Academy ↗ graduation requirements, including the Alabama Physical Agility/Ability Test (PAAT) ↗.	Cadre verify graduation and authorize wear.
Cadet Search and Rescue Brassard	Successfully complete the Cadet Search and Rescue Academy ↗.	Cadre verify graduation and authorize wear. An external SAR qualification follows its provider’s separate requirements.
Cadet Ranger Brown Beret	Successfully complete both Cadet Ranger School ↗ and the Cadet Ranger Leadership Course ↗, with the Course Director’s recommendation.	Course Director recommendation is required; authorization is not automatic.

Field Leader Badge with CTSTC Star.

A star on the Cadet Field Leader Qualification Badge recognizes additional training. The current Tactical Skills packet specifies a 3/16-inch bronze star for eligible Cadets who meet its completion standards. Follow Cadre authorization for the device and its wear.

Supplied Field Leader qualification badge reference with the bronze CTSTC star — CFLC Qualification Badge with CTSTC Star · supplied reference artwork.

Download the Original Qualification-badge Reference (PowerPoint) ↓

Cadet Field Leader Course ↗ · Cadet Tactical Skills Training Course ↗

Read the Current CTSTC Completion and Recognition Standards ↗

The Beret and Its Six-Star Insignia.

XMC Distinctive Unit Insignia: a purple shield with a gold border, six white stars, crossed rifle and sword, and a torch above them — The six-star XMC Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI).

Staying Modern. Honoring Our Heritage.

With the addition of the United States Space Force to America’s Armed Forces, XMC updated the Distinctive Unit Insignia worn on the Cadet beret to include a sixth star.

The Rifle: Represents the military structure of our program.
The Sword: Represents the Cavalry, which serves as the foundation of the first Cadet programs in our country.
The Torch: Superimposed above the rifle and sword, the torch represents that XMC is first and foremost a learning experience for young people ages 13–18.
The Six Stars: Represent the exposure we provide to the history, structure and standards of each of the six military services.
The Purple Background: Represents the program’s joint-service focus and the military history of the Cadre.

When the Beret Is Earned.

Brown beret: the British-style version, distinct from the tan beret worn by U.S. Army Rangers. Awarded after successful completion of both Cadet Ranger School and the Cadet Ranger Leadership Course, with the Course Director’s recommendation. Cadet Ranger School graduates earn the Cadet Ranger Tab.

Gray beret: authorized for graduates of both the Cadet Field Leader Course and Advanced Cadet Field Leader Course.

The beret flash: both styles use the standard Army flash design with a black background and gold stars. The flash and the six-star DUI are separate elements of the beret’s insignia.

Read the Beret’s History and Our Tribute to RSM Ray Lee ↗

Skills With
A Visible Standard.

The Badges. The Tabs. The Brassards.