Sail with us down memory lane as my dear friend Christian Blanchard, a fellow Naval Academy alumnus, and I recount the transformative experience of Plebe Summer. Our conversation charts the course of the program's evolution, the impact of more intimate company sizes, and the intimate bonds that last a lifetime. Whether you're a proud parent of a midshipman or simply fascinated by the culture of the Naval Academy, this episode offers a rare glimpse into a world where civilians morph into leaders of the sea.

Christian explains the role of each military organization & unit, and then weighs in on the mantle of a company commander and the delicate dance of fostering Navy traditions while nurturing the individual spirit of each plebe. We also shed light on the humorous escapades that provide levity to the demanding days.

Closing on a note of wisdom, we impart essential advice to future plebes through the lens of Christian's experiences and the sage words of Captain Green. It's a testament to the academy's ethos of teamwork and collective achievement, sowing the seeds for personal growth and unity.  Join us for these stories and more, as we anchor in the lessons of the past to chart a course for the future.

The mission of Academy Insider is to guide, serve, and support Midshipmen, future Midshipmen, and their families.

Grant Vermeer your host is the person who started it all. He is the founder of Academy Insider and the host of The Academy Insider podcast. He was a recruited athlete which brought him to Annapolis where he was a four year member of the varsity basketball team. He was a cyber operations major and commissioned into the Cryptologic Warfare Community. He was stationed at Fort Meade and supported the Subsurface Direct Support mission.

He separated from the Navy in 2023 and now owns The Vermeer Group, a residential real estate company that specializes in serving the United States Naval Academy community with nationwide consulting and connection.

We are here to be your guide through the USNA experience.

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