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SELECTED / SEASONAL · CSR

Cadet Staff Ride · Washington, DC

Explore History.
Consider Your Future.

A selected educational experience in the nation’s capital, connecting leadership, national history and career exploration.

October 8–13, 2027

Washington, DC · Arrive through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

Contact Admissions for current arrangements

Ask About Selection ↗Check Entry Requirements ↓

What Tuition Includes & Additional Costs ↗

The XMC Cadet Staff Ride group visiting Washington, DC

SELECTED / SEASONAL

Cadet Staff Ride insignia with the United States Capitol

Cadet Staff Ride · Washington, DC

DURATION6 days · Oct 8–13, 2027

WHO IT IS FOROutstanding returning Cadets

AGE / PLACEMENTSelected Cadets ages 15–18

ENTRY POINTApplication and selection required

Dates: October 8–13, 2027
Tuition · USD: By arrangement · View Session Details ↗

Arrangements and costs: contact Admissions for this selected program’s price, inclusions, travel and any additional charges before making commitments.

Complete Inclusions & Additional Costs ↗ · Nonrefundable Payment Terms ↗

Experience History in Person.

An XMC group poses on the steps outside the United States Capitol — An XMC Staff Ride group visiting the U.S. Capitol.

01 / THE MISSION

See Leadership Beyond the Training Field.

Each October, Extreme Military Challenge! (XMC) and Liberty Communications, LLC host the annual Cadet Staff Ride in Washington, D.C. This exclusive educational experience provides a unique opportunity for outstanding Cadets to explore the nation's capital while gaining firsthand exposure to the United States military, government, and national history.

Health & Safety at XMC ↗

02 / TRAINING FOCUS

Build on What You Have Earned.

A clear view of the areas covered
through instruction and practical experience.

Military History and National Memorials

Museums and Educational Visits

Government and Military Career Exploration

Leadership Observation

Representing XMC Professionally

Learning Alongside Fellow Selected Cadets

Explore the full course outline

Participation is by application and selection only. This program is reserved for highly qualified Cadets who have demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership, and maturity throughout their XMC training.

Priority consideration is given to:

Cadets who have successfully completed at least four weeks of XMC training

Cadets who are 16 years of age or older

Summer Honor Graduates

Cadets currently enrolled in the following summer's XMC programs

Throughout the Staff Ride, participants visit historic military sites, museums, memorials, and government institutions while interacting with military professionals and civilian leaders. Cadets gain valuable insight into military service, leadership, national defense, and civilian career opportunities supporting the armed forces. The experience also provides an unforgettable opportunity to experience the history, culture, and landmarks of our Nation's Capital.

Travel Information

Participants may either drive to Washington, D.C., or fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

Arrival: Friday, after 3:00 PM

Departure: Wednesday, after 3:00 PM

Flying participants must arrive and depart through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

Contact Admissions for program pricing, the current itinerary and selected-participant instructions.

Applications are reviewed based on each Cadet's previous XMC performance, leadership potential, and enrollment status. Because space is extremely limited, early application is encouraged.

Interested in representing XMC on the Cadet Staff Ride? Contact Admissions for the Current Application and Selection Instructions ↗

03 / PLAN YOUR TRAINING

Know the Dates.
Make Your Plan.

Ask About Selection ↗

The 2027 Cadet Staff Ride is October 8–13, 2027. Participation is by application and selection. Confirm the itinerary, program cost and travel arrangements with Admissions before making plans.

Start with Admissions. Application and selection are required before making travel arrangements.

Prices are in U.S. dollars. Confirm eligibility, charges and program terms before applying.

CADET STAFF RIDE

Explore the Washington, DC Experience.

PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP

Choose Your Course. Prepare with Purpose.

Use the requirements above to choose your training. After enrollment, follow your current Parents’ Guide and family-account tasks.

FROM PREVIOUS STAFF RIDES

History. Leadership. Service.

XMC Cadets gather around the Army seal at the National Museum of the United States Army; image labeled October 9–14, 2026 — Cadet Staff Ride · October 9–14, 2026.

XMC Cadets speak with a military professional at an AUSA exhibition — Conversations connect Cadets with military professionals.

Cadets display military challenge coins in their hands — Challenge coins mark memorable encounters and recognition.

The next Cadet Staff Ride is October 8–13, 2027. Participation requires application and selection.

PAST EVENT · OCTOBER 9–14, 2026

The 2026 Staff Ride Itinerary.

This past-event schedule records October 9–14, 2026. The next published Staff Ride is October 8–13, 2027; this historical itinerary does not promise the same visits or access for 2027.

View the October 2026 itinerary

2026 Cadet Staff Ride — past-event reference
Date	Scheduled activities
Friday, October 9	Navy Band Concert at DAR Constitution Hall.
Saturday, October 10	Smithsonian; World War II Memorial; Lincoln Memorial; White House tour; Korean War Memorial.
Sunday, October 11	Fort McHenry and the U.S. Naval Academy.
Monday, October 12	Association of the United States Army opening ceremony, AUSA exhibit floor, Cadet luncheon and AUSA President’s Reception.
Tuesday, October 13	Wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; National Museum of the United States Army.
Wednesday, October 14	0830 Pentagon tour; 1200 ENDEX (end of exercise).

YOUR NEXT STEP

Confirm Your
Next Step.