Service Support & OJT
Duties, reporting, packing and preparation for Cadet Service Support and On-the-Job Training. Use the current course page for eligibility and approved dates.
PDF · 11 pages · December 2024 edition
TRAINING PREPARATION LIBRARY
Prepare with Purpose.
Start with the SmartBook, the primary training reference for Recruits. Use your course packet and enrolled-family instructions for required preparation.
PRIMARY RECRUIT TRAINING REFERENCE
Start With
The SmartBook.
The Challenger SmartBook is the primary training reference for Recruits in Cadet Basic Training. Read it before arrival and use it with Cadre instruction during training.
PDF · 53 pages · January 2023 edition supplied by XMC. Use the current course pages and Fitness Standards for current requirements.
Browse the SmartBook Topics
- Introduction and Recruit expectations: pages 3–7
- Military knowledge: pages 8–17
- Americanism: pages 18–21
- First aid and health: pages 22–29
- Cadet Staff Ride background: page 30
- Reference material: pages 31–45
- Physical fitness test charts: pages 46–49
Health, weapons, knots and physical training material supports Cadre-led instruction. Follow current XMC course requirements and instructor directions.
Edition correction: in the military-time example on page 15, 1100 means 11:00 a.m.
COURSE-SPECIFIC PREPARATION
Download Your
Preparation Packet.
Use the packet for your approved course and the current instructions supplied with your enrollment.
Winter Tactical Skills
Reporting, winter packing, course standards, travel and Final Formation for December 27, 2026–January 2, 2027.
PDF · 19 pages · 2026–2027 session
WHERE TO BEGIN
Your Preparation Path.
Start with the Enrolled-family Checklist ↗ and current 2026 Parents’ Guide ↗ for required arrival preparation. This library provides background familiarity; your course instructions identify any specifically assigned study.
Start with Camp Routines
Learn about shared living, daily responsibility and personal preparation.
Fitness Preparation
Start with the program requirements, then use the technique resources to support your preparation.
Drill Sequence
Explore the progression from individual movements to squad and platoon formations.
Knowledge and Traditions
Background resources introduce terminology and traditions. Your current XMC course instructions identify what is required.
Supervised Program Instruction
Read the program overview for participation and safety boundaries before opening technical references.
These references support familiarity and practice. Follow XMC instructor direction for supervised activities.
UNIFORM PREPARATION
Optional OCP Uniform Policy.
Review current eligibility, XMC-issued items, Cadet purchases, wear rules and revocation before choosing OCP.
Read the Complete OCP PolicyRETURNING CADET PREPARATION
Plan Your Emergency Responder Qualification.
Review the common core, FEMA course lists, practical training, review boards, external certifications and practicum requirements for the Basic, Advanced and Senior Cadet Emergency Responder levels.
Complete qualification requirements ↗ · All qualification insignia ↗
YOUR NEXT STEP
Complete Your Arrival Preparation.
Enrolled-family Checklist ↗Follow the current course instructions and Cadre direction.2026 Parents’ Guide ↗