SELECTED / SEASONAL · CTSTCTrain Through Winter.
Cadet Tactical Skills Training Course
Train Through Winter.
Strengthen Your Skills.
Seven days of winter field training for returning Cadets: build field skills, leadership and accountability in a disciplined outdoor environment. December 27, 2026–January 2, 2027.
Camp Liberty · Battleground, Alabama · Cullman County, North Alabama
$1,495 · tuition
SELECTED / SEASONAL
Cadet Tactical Skills Training Course
DURATION7 training days · Dec 27–Jan 2
WHO IT IS FORReturning Cadets
AGE / PLACEMENTReturning CBT graduates
ENTRY POINTCadet Basic Training graduation required
- Dates
- Dec 27, 2026–Jan 2, 2027
- Tuition · USD
- $1,495 · View Session Details ↗
Winter course arrangements: this is tent-based field training, with MREs and field cooking. Review the CTSTC preparation packet for the required equipment and meal arrangements; the summer new-Recruit issue does not apply.
Budget separately for: travel, BHM airport transfers, medication administration, photography, selected special meals, required personal items and additional haircuts. Review final charges in CampMinder before paying.
Complete Inclusions & Additional Costs ↗ · Nonrefundable Payment Terms ↗
01 / THE MISSION
A Different Season. The Same Commitment.
The Cadet Tactical Skills Training Course (CTSTC) is a one-week, field-based program for graduates of Cadet Basic Training. Cadets develop tactical and field skills, land navigation, tactical medical skills and leadership while reconnecting with their Battle Buddies. The current winter session is December 27, 2026–January 2, 2027.
02 / TRAINING FOCUS
Build on What You Have Earned.
A clear view of the areas covered
through instruction and practical experience.
Winter Survival and Shelters
Day and Night Navigation
Tactical Movement and Fieldcraft
Field Cooking and Mission Planning
Leadership and Mental Resilience
Explore the full course outline
CADET TACTICAL SKILLS TRAINING COURSE - One Week
Training is conducted almost entirely outdoors in a disciplined military training environment. Camp Liberty becomes the classroom as Cadets live, train, and operate in the field throughout the week. Participants sleep in tents, prepare or heat many of their meals in the field using military rations and field cooking techniques, and complete progressively more demanding tactical missions that test their decision-making, teamwork, and resilience.
Under the guidance of experienced military and civilian instructors, Cadets build confidence while developing practical skills used by military units during field operations. Every exercise is designed to reinforce leadership, adaptability, problem-solving, and the ability to perform effectively under challenging winter conditions.
Areas of Training
Cold-weather field operations
Winter survival and shelter construction
Tactical movement and patrolling
Land navigation in day and night conditions
Fieldcraft and camouflage techniques
Fire building and field cooking
Mission planning and execution
Team leadership and communication
Mental resilience and stress management
Problem-solving under realistic field conditions
One of the most rewarding aspects of CTSTC is the opportunity for returning Cadets to reunite with their former Battle Buddies, train alongside fellow graduates, and mentor newer Cadets while continuing to build lasting friendships within the Camp Liberty community.
Whether preparing for future advanced Camp Liberty programs or simply seeking another challenging military training experience, the Cadet Tactical Skills Training Course offers an unforgettable week of adventure, leadership development, and practical field training during Camp Liberty's annual Winter Training season.
CURRENT WINTER SESSION
Seven Training Days.
Plan Every Movement.
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| Training starts | Final Formation | Family pickup | Camp transport departure | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 27, 2026 | Jan 2, 2027 · 1500 Citizen Hall | Jan 2 · after Final Formation | Jan 3, 2027 | $1,495 |
Training starts
Dec 27, 2026
- Final Formation
- Jan 2, 2027 · 1500 Citizen Hall
- Family pickup
- Jan 2 · after Final Formation
- Camp transport departure
- Jan 3, 2027
- Tuition
- $1,495
The packet specifies seven training days and a course size of 15–50 Cadets. Remaining spaces, payment options and applicable charges are shown in CampMinder.
What Tuition Includes & Additional Costs ↗CTSTC concludes with Final Formation on January 2, 2027, at 1500 in Citizen Hall. There is no Friends and Family Night for CTSTC. Follow the winter packet for pickup and departure instructions.
WINTER UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT
Bring Serviceable Uniforms.
Pack for Cold and Wet Conditions.
Winter tuition includes XMC T-shirts and shorts, rather than a full replacement set of uniforms. Bring the required serviceable uniforms and every item on the current winter packing list. The packet explains one-for-one replacement of outgrown issued items and purchase of lost or unserviceable items through the Patriot Exchange.
Submit requests for replacement or outgrown uniform items by December 15. An XMC black fleece is issued for training when needed.
Use the CTSTC Packing List in the Packet ↗2026–2027 TRAINING PREPARATION
Read the Packet.
Arrive Prepared.
Cadets are responsible for following the packet, bringing the listed equipment and maintaining accountability. This is the complete current reference for course standards, cold-weather packing, reporting, travel and release.
Report on December 27
Drive-in Cadets report to the Patriot Exchange between 1000 and 1600. Flying Cadets arrive at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) between 1000 and 1800 and assemble at Baggage Claim 4 after collecting checked baggage. Submit all travel information in CampMinder by December 15.
Prepare for a Winter Field Environment
Training is primarily outdoors. Photos, showers, laundry and PX access may be limited. Follow the packet’s packing list and electronics rules; cell phones are turned in on arrival. Complete all required medication declarations and turn-in.
After the R-Day arrival notification, no routine calls are scheduled during CTSTC. Photo updates are very limited during this winter field course.
Meet the Completion Standards
The packet details packing-list compliance, military bearing, fire and shelter tasks, weapons safety, ten essential knots, the written examination and the weather-dependent Cadet Physical Fitness Test. Course completion and recognition are earned through meeting the published standards.
Completion and recognition standards
- Packing list: no more than four major deficiencies.
- Military bearing/motivation and weapons safety: satisfactory.
- Build a fire and establish shelter: GO.
- Ten essential knots and written examination: at least 70%.
- CPFT: 60 points per event when weather permits. If it cannot be administered, its 10% evaluation component is removed.
Graduates receive a Certificate of Graduation. Eligible Cadets qualify for the 3/16-inch bronze star device on the Cadet Field Leader Qualification Badge. The packet lists one promotion point each for course completion, Honor Graduate and a 300-point PT score.
A 16-hour Wilderness First Aid certification opportunity is offered through Campaign Pay it Forward. See the packet for the specific training and completion requirements.
Parents planning to stay nearby may ask about possible winter cabin availability at Camp Liberty. Confirm availability and arrangements before booking travel.
WINTER FIELD TRAINING
Train Together. Carry the Mission.
Pack for field living and follow the current winter preparation packet. The tan XMC sweatshirt is authorized for uniform wear; it does not replace the rest of your required winter equipment.
TACTICAL SKILLS IN PRACTICE
Field Living and Meals.
The course combines MREs and field cooking, teamwork and practical field living. Follow the current winter packet for your required equipment and meal arrangements.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Ready for Your
Next Challenge?
Apply for CTSTC ↗Questions about the right course or next step? Talk with Admissions.855-XMC-CAMPadmissions@xmccamp.com ↗