HAWK MOUNTAIN RANGER SCHOOL
12-20 July 2025
AVAILABLE COURSES
Advanced Ranger Course (Alpha)
Length: 9 days
Cost: $TBA
Skills learned as a Basic Ranger School student will be sharpened learning the advanced skills necessary to excel in the most challenging field conditions and practice those still Students will graduate as Ground Team Member 1 and Ranger First Class.
Field Medic Staff Training Course (Mike)
Length: 9 days
Cost: $TBA
This second year course is designed for any cadet who is interested in becoming a Ranger Team Medic. Students will be taught ECSI’s (Emergency Care and Safety Institute) Advanced Wilderness First Aid for the initial curriculum, in conjunction with field sanitation and hygiene training for wilderness operations.
Field Communicators Course (Whiskey) Basic or Advanced
Length: 9 days
Cost: $TBA
Students will learn the skills required to become CAP Mission Radio Operators (Whiskey I) and Communications Unit Leaders (Whiskey II). Whiskey I students will gain familiarity of both VHF & HF radios, learn mission base & field operations, remote communications relay stations, and communications equipment set up and operation. The culminating three day exercise will include extensive hiking with full equipment supporting schoolwide operations in the field.
Team Commanders Course (Tango)
Length: 9 days
Cost: $TBA
The Ranger Team Commanders Course is a mentally and physically tasking course; teaching both cadets and seniors Team Leadership skills in the field environment. The students will find confidence in themselves, their team members, and in the use of their equipment via multiple in-depth training scenarios. This course is built to challenge your comfort zone as a leader and will stretch your limits and training in the field or while on-rappel on our 60+ foot tower.
Incident Leadership Course (India)
Length: 9 days
Cost: $TBA
The overhead team training program is a Ground Branch Director training program. During this 9-day program students will complete all necessary requirements to complete this endeavor. Students will take part in an 18 hour ICS 300 course. The students will also take part in 3-day search exercise during which the students will operate in the field as Ground Branch Directors and place skills learned to the test as a final evaluation.
Independent Study (X-Ray)
Length: 9 days
Cost: $TBA
This course exposes cadet and senior Rangers to the Expert Ranger level of search & rescue, woodsmanship, and survival. Designed to improve knowledge and skills acquired in the Team Commander Course, the Independent Study Course may advance students to Expert Ranger Level.
Basic Ranger Course (Bravo / Sierra)
Length: 9 days
Cost: $TBA
Available for cadets and seniors, Ranger students will hone their ground team member skills while learning fundamental Ranger skills in wilderness search and rescue and survival. Skills learned will be tested in a 3 day field exercise in some of the most difficult environments in the nation. Students will graduate as Ground Team Member 3 and Ranger Second Class.
Aircrew Survival Course (Hotel) Basic or Advanced
Length: days
Cost: $TBA
Learn vital skills essential to any CAP aircrew member for surviving in the event of a crash. Learn post crash actions, water and land survival, navigation, and recovery actions.
Hawk Mountain Ranger School
Located in Kempton, Pennsylvania, Hawk Mountain Ranger School is the longest running Search & Rescue School in the nation. For over 65 years, HMRS has provided some of the best wilderness SAR training to cadets and seniors throughout the country. HMRS is the most intense and rewarding summer activity that CAP has to offer. If you have never been to the Mountain, now is your chance to become a part of the tradition. If you have already graduated from a HMRS course, attend again to further your training through more advanced courses.
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Due to construction at Hawk Mountain Base, the academic portion of our school will take place at nearby Fort Indiantown Gap. You will stay in barracks and train outside whenever practical. The last four days of the school will take place back on Hawk Mountain in the same conditions as a real mission. You will participate in a multi day field training exercise testing all of your acquired skills along with your endurance.
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The first several days of the school start at 0545 hrs. You are led through physical training and an obstacle course. That is followed by a run or 3 ball soccer. A variety of classes follows throughout the day, teaching individual skills about equipment and techniques used in team searches, navigation, cutting tools, survival, and woodsmanship skills. In addition to the practical skills, leadership and character development are emphasized. Students will also have an opportunity to rappel on a 60+ foot tower. Next, you will begin the field training exercise. The last part of the school involves testing, not just to graduate from the school, but also to earn Ranger Grade certifications which include 101 advancement. Throughout the entire school, you will be challenged to take charge of difficult situations in order to become part of a working team.
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The friends you gain will remain close to you for life. There is a sense of pride, camaraderie, honor, and tradition present at this school. If you are willing to work hard, the possibilities of what you can accomplish at HMRS are boundless. Little will be easy at the school, but the challenges will be well worth your while.
ARRIVAL INFORMATION
Friday, 11 July: 1100 - 2130
or
Saturday, 12 July: 0600 - 1000
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Formal check-in: Saturday 12 July, 0800 - 1100
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Your valid CAP membership card and the completed CAPF160, 161, and 163 are required at check-in.
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These forms can be found at http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/members/publications/forms.
GRADUATION INFORMATION
Sunday, 20 July: 1130
All visitors are welcome, particularly parents and unit commanders.
Student Release: Families and others awaiting students release should expect a 3 to 4-hour period after Parade & Review to close the school down to its normal woodland environment. Limited refreshments and souvenirs will be available for sale. You might want to take this time to visit the Hawk Mountain Bird Sanctuary located on top of the mountain or the Cabela’s Super Store, which is only a few miles away.
