A Welcome from the Commander.
Read COL Joseph M. Land, Sr., XMC, on the purpose of the challenge, the role of the Cadre and the family's part in the experience.
Read the Complete Welcome Message ↗A Demanding Experience, Chosen Willingly.
XMC serves motivated young people ages 13–18 who want to participate in military leadership and career exploration. We are not a delinquency, rehabilitation, behavior-correction or court-ordered placement program. Parents and Challengers must understand and accept the expectations before enrollment.
Experienced People. A Clear Purpose.
Military and civilian Cadre bring experience in Recruit training, Cadet development, public safety, healthcare and other service professions. Staff undergo background screening and youth-protection training before working with participants.
Our senior leadership team brings more than 100 combined years of military youth-program experience. Read the Cadre biographies to learn about the people behind the program.
A Foundation and a Path Forward.
First-time Recruits begin with Cadet Basic Training. The Fitness Challenge can be combined with other training to develop preparation and healthy habits. Eligible CBT graduates can pursue leadership, specialty and selected programs according to each course’s requirements.
We are independent of JROTC. Our primary focus is residential career exploration through hands-on military-style training at Camp Liberty. JROTC is offered through schools with an emphasis on citizenship and leadership education. Read How the Programs Differ ↗
Camp Liberty in North Alabama.
We operate at Camp Liberty in Battleground, Alabama, in Cullman County. Training spaces, classrooms, air-conditioned barracks and the Dining Facility support the program’s daily routines. Some activities use partner or off-site venues, depending on the course.
The separate marksmanship range has eight lanes spanning 5–100 meters and supports approved live-fire activities under qualified supervision. The 4,200-square-foot, two-story CQB Shoot House has 21 distinct training spaces and a 70-foot observation catwalk. It supports non-live-fire scenario training only; live fire is not permitted inside. Activities depend on the course and instructor direction.
Clear Information for Families.
Review the online program overview, current course pages, dates and tuition, medical requirements, packing instructions, and communication procedures. The Dining Facility uses a two-week rotating sample menu. Course charges and exclusions are explained before enrollment; all payments are nonrefundable.
Meet the Cadre ↗ · Explore Camp Liberty ↗ · Watch the Program Video ↗
