By Sharon Challenger
(August 25, 2022) — Ranger Tristan Schemmerling, of Killingworth completed Ranger 1 and the Advanced Ranger Course of the 2022 XMC Ranger Course Program. The courses took place from July 2-30, 2022 at Camp Liberty, Alabama. Ranger Schemmerling, 16-years old, also attends Xavier High School.
Extreme Military Challenge (XMC) offers a variety of courses, including Cadet Basic Training, Cadet Field Leader Course, Cadet, Fitness Challenge, Cadet Ranger School, Cadet Scuba School, and more.
According to their website, Cadet Ranger School is organized into two phases. Before Cadets can begin their training, they must pass an intensive selection process. Applicants must be highly-motivated young men or women, age 16 or older, and a graduate of XMC Cadet Basic Training program. XMC also recommends they attend the Cadet Field Leader Course where Cadets learn how to fit into a team and develop critical thinking skills.
“Phase I (of the Ranger Course Program) is designed to expose Cadets to challenging situations designed to test and develop their skills in extreme leadership, teamwork, self-reliance. The skills they learn are designed to be used and built upon the rest of their lives. By the end of Phase I, Cadets must work as a self-sustaining team to plan, train, execute, and debrief missions.” Extreme Military Challenge Courses (2013-2022) Available at: https://www.xmccamp.com/cadet-ranger-school (Accessed: August, 25, 2022).
If a Cadet completes Phase I, they earn the right to wear the Cadet Ranger Tab. Upon completion of Phase 2, the Cadet receives the “Cadet Ranger” beret.
Cadet Ranger School is the toughest and most intense of their programs. This training is reserved for young men and women who are driven to excel within a military training environment.
His mother, Rachel, notes that in addition to all of these accomplishments, Tristan “is also an Eagle Scout Candidate for Troop 18 of the Boy Scouts of America in Killingworth” and “plans to raise a memorial flagpole in front of the Congregational Church of Killingworth, honoring those who have served for the United States Military. He wants to give back to his country and honor those who sacrificed so much for the freedoms that we enjoy today. The memorial flag and 30′ flagpole will be placed on the lawn of the Congregational Church of Killingworth, which serves as the finish for the Memorial Day town parade. Donations will help to cover the costs associated with excavation of the area, raising the flagpole, and the materials. The flagpole will be a pillar of honor and tribute to those, living and deceased, who have given their service to this great nation. He hopes that his project will instill a sense of pride in our town and country and honor the legacy of those who served.” Find more information at: https://linktr.ee/memorialflagofhonor
To learn more about XMC and the courses they offer click here: https://www.xmccamp.com/
Find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XMCCamp
Photos courtesy of Rachel Schemmerling
