Business Details
Military Summer Camp for Teens in Battleground, AL
Extreme Military Challenge (XMC) has been the premier military summer camp for teens since 2016, offering realistic and safe programs designed to build self-confidence, discipline, and leadership skills. Our programs cater to teens aged 13-18 who seek personal growth or explore military careers, with first-year options ranging from 2 to 7 weeks and advanced training for returning cadets. Our staff, comprising retired military professionals with over 400 combined years of service, delivers unparalleled expertise in a structured environment. We maintain a strict focus on motivated, drug-free participants, ensuring a positive and goal-oriented atmosphere. Located at Camp Liberty in Alabama, our state-of-the-art facility includes barracks, training ranges, and a rappel tower, serving over 300 participants annually.XMC graduates have achieved success in ROTC scholarships, service academies, and military careers, reflecting our commitment to youth development. We prioritize safety while simulating real military experiences, including marksmanship, physical training, and leadership exercises. Our partnership with the U.S. Army Cadet Command 1st Brigade underscores our program's authenticity and quality. With a 100% focus on participant growth, we reject disciplinary cases and emphasize informed career decisions. Our transparent communication, including daily photos and updates, ensures parental confidence in their child's experience and progress.
Services
Cadet Basic Training
Cadet Field Leader Course
Cadet Fitness Challenge
Cadet Ranger School
Cadet SCUBA School
Cadet Staff Ride
Tactical Skills Training
Highlights and features
- Our staff includes retired military professionals with 30+ years of combined experience in cadet training.
- We maintain a 100% focus on motivated, drug-free participants seeking personal growth or military careers.
- Camp Liberty features state-of-the-art facilities including a 40' rappel tower and on-site rifle ranges.
- We provide daily parent updates with photos and videos for complete transparency and peace of mind.
- Our programs have produced graduates in multiple service academies and ROTC scholarship recipients.
What people say
State-of-the-art facilities
Confidence growth
Organized programs
Positive self-esteem
Daily photo updates
Services
Cadet Basic Training
Our 2-week foundational program immerses teens in military life with early morning PT, barracks living, and marksmanship training. Participants develop discipline through structured routines and leadership exercises. The program emphasizes physical fitness, teamwork, and military protocol while maintaining teen-appropriate safety standards.
Cadet Ranger School
Advanced outdoor leadership program focusing on survival skills, land navigation, and tactical operations. Participants train in obstacle courses, field maneuvers, and team-building exercises. This program builds resilience and decision-making skills in challenging environments.
Cadet SCUBA School
Certified scuba diving instruction combining military water operations with recreational diving skills. Cadets learn underwater navigation, safety protocols, and team coordination. Training includes pool sessions and open-water dives at specialized facilities.
Cadet Fitness Challenge
Comprehensive physical conditioning program focusing on strength, endurance, and mental toughness. Includes obstacle courses, calisthenics, and team sports. Designed to improve overall fitness while teaching perseverance and goal-setting.
Cadet Field Leader Course
Intermediate leadership development program emphasizing command presence and decision-making. Participants lead small teams through tactical scenarios and problem-solving exercises. Builds confidence in authority roles while reinforcing military values.
People
COL Joseph M. Land, Sr.
President & Camp Commander
40+ years military experience, former Army public affairs officer, and founder of XMC. Served as Reagan/Gorbachev Summit videographer and Walter Reed TBI program manager. Honorary Colonel in Alabama and Kentucky militias.
CSM Piro Perez
Command Sergeant Major
25+ years Army service including four combat deployments. Bronze Star recipient with experience as drill sergeant and ROTC instructor. Oversees cadet discipline and training standards at XMC.
MAJ John Wideman
Director of Health Services
35+ years medical experience including Army Special Forces medic. Practices medicine in Cullman, AL. Ensures medical safety and emergency preparedness for all XMC programs.
MAJ Joseph M. Land, Jr.
Director of Admissions
20+ years in cadet program development. Oversees marketing, enrollment, and training schedules. Former senior cadet in national program with parachute and rappelling certifications.
Questions
What age groups attend XMC programs?
Our programs serve teens aged 13-18 with no exceptions for younger participants.
Are there disciplinary measures at XMC?
We maintain strict military discipline but do not accept participants with behavioral issues.
How does XMC ensure safety?
Certified staff supervise all activities with safety protocols exceeding industry standards.
Can parents visit during training?
Family visitation is allowed during designated events but not during regular training periods.
What should cadets pack?
Detailed packing lists include military-style uniforms, personal hygiene items, and appropriate footwear.
How do I enroll my child?
Complete our online enrollment process at xmccamp.com with automated billing options available.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Leksi Wearing
Jan 19, 2022
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Well this military camp was awesome. I attended this camp summer of 2021 and going back for more! I am a female and it was perfectly fine. It was challenging but so rewarding! Col. Land and his cadre do an awesome providing a realistic but safe experience. During my time a actually broke my fingure and had to get stitches and lets just say the medical team at XMC did an awesome job taking care of me and keeping my parents up to date. It was a good experience. Dont send your kid here if they dont have tough skin its not built for the week. five stars all the way! thereis reason its on top 10 summer
Cathy K.
Jan 07, 2022
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Dont send your kid here, hes a lier and a thief !!! wont take care of your child , lies to get the money and then sends your kid home sick and steals your money!!! dont send!!!
Wendy Hall
Dec 26, 2021
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If there was a way to leave no starsI would. Not at all what a parent would want for their child. No communication with staff. No communication with your child and a ridiculous no refund policy.
Sent my son home after he was injured and called his inability to participate in insane exercise in 100F heat, insubordination. No refund for unused camp Sessions to the tune of thousands of dollars. (Wasnt even allowed to bring home the clothing that we paid for.) Had to spring for an additional flight on a Holiday with less than 24hrs notice to retrieve my son. Tried to reason with Col
Sent my son home after he was injured and called his inability to participate in insane exercise in 100F heat, insubordination. No refund for unused camp Sessions to the tune of thousands of dollars. (Wasnt even allowed to bring home the clothing that we paid for.) Had to spring for an additional flight on a Holiday with less than 24hrs notice to retrieve my son. Tried to reason with Col
Belinda N.
Dec 08, 2021
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Please take negative reviews posted on this site seriously!!! This camp should not be allowed to have kids younger than age 16 participate and even age 16 is pushing it. Most 13, 14, and 15-year-olds are not psychologically or emotionally strong enough to handle their Full Metal Jacket Boot Camp. The "Colonel" in charge is not actually a military Colonel. He was given that title. It was NEVER earned and yet he constantly preaches about how cadet titles are earned and not given. What a horrible role model!
He's extremely disrespectful to parents AFTER he locks in your nonrefundable
He's extremely disrespectful to parents AFTER he locks in your nonrefundable