The Academy Insider Podcast - Your Guide to The Naval Academy Experience

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Insights from a Command Master Chief's Time at the Naval Academy. 
A conversation with Jeff Kirby: 

In this episode of the Academy Insider Podcast, the host is joined by Jeff Kirby, a retired Command Master Chief who served at the Naval Academy. Kirby recounts his 33-year Navy career, highlighting his roles in mentorship and leadership, especially his time at the Naval Academy. He explains the rank structure of the Navy enlisted, emphasizing the significance of becoming a Command Master Chief and his role as a senior enlisted advisor. Kirby shares insights on the dynamic between senior enlisted leaders and junior officers, stressing the importance of mentorship and guidance. The discussion also touches on his unique living arrangements at the Naval Academy and the importance of the enlisted footprint in creating a conducive learning environment, notably in establishing a top-secret facility for cyber operations education. Kirby's story underscores the critical role of senior enlisted leaders in shaping the next generation of Navy officers and the unique relationships formed in the military community.

00:00 Welcome to Season Two: A Special Guest Introduction

00:34 Jeff Kirby's Navy Journey: From Florida to the Naval Academy

02:55 Understanding Navy Ranks: The Path to Command Master Chief

07:23 The Impact of Senior Enlisted Leaders on Junior Officers

17:50 The Role of Senior Enlisted Leaders at the Naval Academy

38:06 The Enlisted Footprint: Beyond the Senior Enlisted Leader

44:04 Honorary Graduate Insights: Leading in the Fleet

48:41 Lightning Round: Favorites and Memories from the Naval Academy

56:20 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

For any real estate questions, please text me at 650-282-1964

To stay most up to date with Grant, Naval Academy updates, and real estate insights, follow him on LinkedIn

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

This podcast is independently produced and reflects the views and opinions of its creators. It is not officially affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the United States Naval Academy or its affiliates.

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 matches service academy families with trusted real estate teams all across the country.  Text (650) 282-1964 with any real estate questions.

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

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Step inside the rigorous world of Plebe Summer with Commander Mike Murnane as we unravel the threads of leadership and mentorship that define the Naval Academy's transformational journey. This episode is your ticket to understanding the intense preparation and selection of the upperclassmen detailers, who are pivotal in molding incoming plebes into the future leaders of the Navy. The commitment of these detailers, handpicked for their exemplary traits, lays the groundwork for an experience that will challenge and refine every participant.

Venture through poignant stories that capture the essence of the mentor-mentee dynamic, woven into the fabric of military life. Under the guidance of seasoned officers like Commander Murnane, we discuss the intricacies of peer leadership and the criticality of being present both physically and mentally. These narratives are not merely tales from the yard; they're lessons in the art of leadership, time management, and the importance of rest, all crucial for anyone aspiring to thrive in the demanding environment of the Naval Academy.

Finally, for those poised to take the leap into Plebe Summer, we offer a beacon of wisdom and encouragement. As you stand on the cusp of this significant milestone, we share insights that reassure and inspire, grounding you in the knowledge that what lies ahead is a period of profound growth and enduring camaraderie. From the picturesque chestnut tree near the chapel to the challenges that forge the strongest bonds, this is more than a podcast episode—it's an invitation to step into the continuum of naval tradition and excellence.

For any real estate questions, please text me at 650-282-1964

To stay most up to date with Grant, Naval Academy updates, and real estate insights, follow him on LinkedIn

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

This podcast is independently produced and reflects the views and opinions of its creators. It is not officially affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the United States Naval Academy or its affiliates.

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 matches service academy families with trusted real estate teams all across the country.  Text (650) 282-1964 with any real estate questions.

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

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Naval Academy Life and Tradition: The Star Series and Letter Sweaters

This episode of the Academy Insider podcast, hosted by Grant from The Vermeer Group, kicks off its second season focusing on the life and experiences at the United States Naval Academy. The podcast, aimed at Naval Academy graduates, midshipmen, future midshipmen, and their families, features a conversation with John Carter '22, a former Navy basketball player and current Marine Corps officer. The discussion sheds light on the Army-Navy star series—an athletic competition between the United States Naval Academy and West Point—as well as the tradition of the varsity letter sweater, which signifies athletic achievements at the Academy. Carter shares personal anecdotes about his time as a basketball player, the significance of earning the coveted sweater and stars, and his overall experience transitioning from high school to the Naval Academy, including his preparatory year at the Naval Academy prep school. The episode aims to provide insight into the camaraderie, challenges, and proud moments that define being part of the 'Navy Team Family' and participating in one of the academy's storied traditions.

00:00 Welcome to Season Two: Unveiling the Naval Academy Insider

00:46 Sponsor Shoutout: The Vermeer Group's Support

01:15 Diving Into the Episode: A Chat with John Carter

03:02 John Carter's Journey: From Tennessee to the Naval Academy

06:39 The Thrill of the Army-Navy Rivalry: Inside the Star Series

14:25 The Prestige of the Letter Sweater: A Naval Academy Tradition

23:08 Reflecting on the Naval Academy Experience

24:19 Closing Thoughts and Invitation for Engagement

For any real estate questions, please text me at 650-282-1964

To stay most up to date with Grant, Naval Academy updates, and real estate insights, follow him on LinkedIn

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

This podcast is independently produced and reflects the views and opinions of its creators. It is not officially affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the United States Naval Academy or its affiliates.

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 matches service academy families with trusted real estate teams all across the country.  Text (650) 282-1964 with any real estate questions.

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

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Preparing for Plebe Summer at the United States Naval Academy: Insights, Advice, and Real Stories

This episode of the Academy Insider podcast focuses on providing insights, advice, and sharing experiences related to plebe summer at the United States Naval Academy.  This episode features Grant Booker, a 2023 Navy Academy graduate and former regimental commander of Plebe Summer, sharing his journey, the importance of leadership, and how to prepare for Plebe Summer. Both Grants emphasize the value of mindset and physical preparation before reporting to I Day at the Academy. They discuss challenges and successes during Plebe Summer, the significance of defining personal success, and the generational impact of the Naval Academy experience. The episode encourages incoming midshipmen to embrace the Academy's challenges, reassures them of their capability, and highlights the importance of finding something grounding amidst the rigors of Academy life.

00:00 Welcome to Season Two: The Academy Insider Podcast

00:45 Sponsor Shoutout: The Vermeer Group

03:09 Introducing Grant Booker: A Naval Academy Graduate's Journey

05:26 Plebe Summer Insights: Preparation and Advice

12:27 From Plebe to Leader: Grant Booker's Transformation

19:30 The Impact of Attitude and Mentality on Plebe Summer Success

22:51 Leadership and Character: The Plebe Summer Experience

23:41 The Pressure of Public Performance

24:11 Reg Table Stories: Lessons in Discipline and Leadership

26:28 Advice for Future Midshipmen: Preparing for Plebe Summer

30:38 Physical Fitness: Key to Success at the Naval Academy

35:57 Parting Words of Wisdom: Embracing the Naval Academy Journey

43:40 Closing Thoughts: The Impact of the Naval Academy Experience

For any real estate questions, please text me at 650-282-1964

To stay most up to date with Grant, Naval Academy updates, and real estate insights, follow him on LinkedIn

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

This podcast is independently produced and reflects the views and opinions of its creators. It is not officially affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the United States Naval Academy or its affiliates.

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 matches service academy families with trusted real estate teams all across the country.  Text (650) 282-1964 with any real estate questions.

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

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Academy Insider is back!  Academy Insider started back in 2017 in an attempt to give back to the Naval Academy community, sharing experiences & perspectives as a recent graduate to help the next wave of midshipmen and their families.

As Grant hit the peak of my operational duties, Academy Insider had to pause – Four Submarine Deployments in a three year span will do that!  Grant is now out of the Navy, but his desire to give back to the Naval Academy community has not changed. 

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

It is Grant's vision for Academy Insider to be a community of Naval Academy insiders that serve, guide, and support those who seek information, guidance, and recommendations about the Naval Academy journey.  He is joined by an amazing Advisory board, consisting of people who made significant positive contributions to his experience in Annapolis and beyond.  Through their shared experiences, they will guide families through the anxiety and frustration caused by lack of understanding, misinformation, and confusion.

If you know any people who are interested in the Naval Academy, are appointees getting ready to report for I-day, or any current families of Midshipmen who may benefit from this information, please direct them towards Academy Insider Resources.  We will be posting regularly on the Academy Insider facebook page, and our website www.academyinsider.com. 

If you wish to connect with Grant on social media - the best place to find him is on LinkedIn.  Please feel free to send him a message there. 

Thank you so much and we are so happy to announce that Academy Insider is back!!

To stay most up to date with Grant, Naval Academy updates, and real estate insights, follow him on LinkedIn

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

This podcast is independently produced and reflects the views and opinions of its creators. It is not officially affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the United States Naval Academy or its affiliates.

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 matches service academy families with trusted real estate teams all across the country.  Text (650) 282-1964 with any real estate questions.

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

Connect with Grant on Linkedin
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Drum and Bugle Corps

I'm joined by Andrea Howard who is a class of 15 graduate from the United States Naval Academy and currently serves as a submarine officer. Andrea was an Arabic and Political Science major at the academy.

She is a Marshall Scholar and pursued graduate education directly after graduation.  She earned a MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy from Oxford and a MA in Science and Security from Kings College London.

In her first episode on Academy insider, she talked all about the submarine selection process as well as life of a submarine JO in the Fleet. In this episode, we focus on her time at the academy, specifically her time within D&B, the Drum and Bugle Corps. So Andrea was a four year member of Drum & Bugle Corps. She was the Corps Commander for D&B.

She gives us keen insight into everything related to D&B.

The tryout process to the actual day to day life of D&B members, to their performances and events and everything that they do. I think everyone will get a tremendous amount of information about what D&B is, what they do, their time commitment for obligations and everything about the life of a D&B member at the Naval Academy.

Be sure to review and subscribe to The Academy Insider with Grant Vermeer podcast on Apple Podcasts or where you listen to podcasts.

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Links Mentioned in the Show

Andrea's Previous Book Recommendation

Anthem by Ayn Rand - If you want to order a copy go to the Academy Insider Amazon store at https://www.amazon.com/shop/academyinsider.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

For any real estate questions, please text me at 650-282-1964

To stay most up to date with Grant, Naval Academy updates, and real estate insights, follow him on LinkedIn

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

This podcast is independently produced and reflects the views and opinions of its creators. It is not officially affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the United States Naval Academy or its affiliates.

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 matches service academy families with trusted real estate teams all across the country.  Text (650) 282-1964 with any real estate questions.

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

Connect with Grant on Linkedin
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Rear Adm. James McNeal '86, U.S. Navy, Retired and is an expert on the Herndon Climb.

He joins Grant on the podcast and tells the story of the Herndon monument and most specifically the tradition of the climb which he considers the Naval Academy's greatest tradition.

Rear Adm. McNeal is "the expert" on this topic. He is humble, funny and a great storyteller and you will love this episode.

He has written the book The Herndon Climb: A History of the United States Naval Academy's Greatest Tradition.

A native of Granada Hills, CA, Rear Adm. James R. McNeal graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a bachelor's degree in 1986 and holds a Master of Science in Organizational Management from Chadron State College. He graduated from the Advanced Joint Professional Military Education program at the Joint Forces Staff College and is Joint Qualified System (JQS) level II qualified.

His personal decorations include Legion of Merit (two awards), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards) and other unit and campaign commendations. He is a qualified Surface Warfare Supply Corps officer and Navy Expeditionary Supply Corps officer.

Rear Adm. McNeal served six years active duty and twenty five years in the reserves retiring in 2017.  He now is back in Annapolis and coaches on the Sprint football staff.

Be sure to review and subscribe to The Academy Insider with Grant Vermeer podcast on Apple Podcasts or where you listen to podcasts.

Follow the Academy Insider on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Links Mentioned in the Show

Rear Adm McNeal's Book - The Herndon Climb: A History of the United States Naval Academy's Greatest Tradition.

For any real estate questions, please text me at 650-282-1964

To stay most up to date with Grant, Naval Academy updates, and real estate insights, follow him on LinkedIn

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

This podcast is independently produced and reflects the views and opinions of its creators. It is not officially affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the United States Naval Academy or its affiliates.

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 matches service academy families with trusted real estate teams all across the country.  Text (650) 282-1964 with any real estate questions.

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

Connect with Grant on Linkedin
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Send us Fan Mail

Margaret "Peg" DeLuca Klein '81, Rear Adm, U.S. Navy, Retired is the Dean of the College of Leadership and Ethics at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, RI. 

A native of Weymouth, Massachusetts, Rear Adm. Margaret Klein was commissioned in May 1981 upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy.

Klein completed a 35-year Navy career in March 2017. As Rear Admiral Klein, she served as the SecDef’s Advisor for Military Professionalism. Klein served as Chief of Staff for the newly-created United States Cyber Command. In 2008 she served as director of operations for the Navy’s Network Warfare Command. In 2011, she commanded an American military force of five ships, 30 aircraft, and over 3,300 Sailors and Marines in combat operations in the Mediterranean Sea. She served as the 82nd Commandant of Midshipmen at the US Naval Academy, where she was responsible for 4,400 Navy and Marine Corps officer candidates. Klein flew in and commanded an aviation squadron and wing.

Klein was the 82nd Commandant of Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy from December 2006 to June 2008 and was responsible for the military and professional development of the Brigade of Midshipmen. She was the first woman to ever hold this position.

She joins Grant on the podcast and tells the story of what brought her to the Naval Academy in 1977 only one year after the academy began accepting women. 

She shares stories from her time at the academy as a midshipman and her return to the Yard as the 82nd Commandant of Midshipmen.

Be sure to review and subscribe to The Academy Insider with Grant Vermeer podcast on Apple Podcasts or where you listen to podcasts.

Follow the Academy Insider on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Resource List for Academy Insider Followers

Links Mentioned in the Show

Rear Adm Klein's Book Recommendations:
The Undoing Project by Michael Lewis
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek

For any real estate questions, please text me at 650-282-1964

To stay most up to date with Grant, Naval Academy updates, and real estate insights, follow him on LinkedIn

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

This podcast is independently produced and reflects the views and opinions of its creators. It is not officially affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the United States Naval Academy or its affiliates.

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 matches service academy families with trusted real estate teams all across the country.  Text (650) 282-1964 with any real estate questions.

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

Connect with Grant on Linkedin
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Send us Fan Mail

Angela Bailey is the Protocol Advisor to the Commandant of Midshipmen and Brigade Social Director.

Angela Bailey once attended Ring Dance, and was impressed by the etiquette and manners of the Midshipmen. Her date informed her that Etiquette and Protocol is a part of a Midshipman’s curriculum all four years, and that they had an instructor for it all. Angela, having received formal etiquette training herself, remarked that it would be an interesting job to have, and now, years later, she’s doing exactly that. 

Angela is now the Protocol Advisor to the Commandant of Midshipmen and Social Instructor to the Brigade of Midshipmen. 

So what exactly are etiquette and protocol? Why are they things that matter among life and death military training? Grant—your Academy Insider—and Angela discuss that and more in this latest edition of the Academy Insider podcast. 

Angela shares, when you are a Midshipman, you are an “ambassador of the United States, and of the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Navy once you’re in the fleet.”

“At the end of the day, [etiquette] is about putting others ahead of yourself.”

There are military protocols that Angela and similar advisors know, such as the proper order for dignitaries to be seated on stage at an event, or how flags must be situated. 

Plebes-to-be can look forward to one “very fancy, sit down dinner” during the first set of Plebe Summer training, which is the first opportunity that Angela will have to instruct the newest midshipmen. Later in the summer, Angela gets the plebes ready to meet their new sponsor families by teaching them sponsor etiquette.

From then on, Angela meets with each class of midshipmen once a semester for the rest of their time at the Academy. 

There are many more key learnings and insight into this unique aspect of the Academy, that only Angela can share.

Be sure to review and subscribe to The Academy Insider with Grant Vermeer podcast on Apple Podcasts or where you listen to podcasts.

Follow the Academy Insider on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Resource List for Academy Insider Followers

Links Mentioned in the Show

Service Etiquette Book - If you want to order a copy go to the Academy Insider Amazon store at https://www.amazon.com/shop/academyinsider.

OFFICER PROFESSIONALISM AND CIVILITY TRAINING PROGRAM

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

For any real estate questions, please text me at 650-282-1964

To stay most up to date with Grant, Naval Academy updates, and real estate insights, follow him on LinkedIn

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

This podcast is independently produced and reflects the views and opinions of its creators. It is not officially affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the United States Naval Academy or its affiliates.

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 matches service academy families with trusted real estate teams all across the country.  Text (650) 282-1964 with any real estate questions.

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

Connect with Grant on Linkedin
Academy Insider Website
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If you ar...

Send us Fan Mail

United States Marine Corps 101

This podcast is the audio recording of a video interview with Major Lowell Krusinger.  Major Krusinger was the officer representative on the men's basketball team when I was at the academy.  He is a great mentor to me.

He attended the University of Utah where he completed his bachelors degree in English literature with the German minor and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in December 2003.  Major Krusinger became an infantry officer and attended the infantry officer course. He reported to Camp Pendleton, California to serve as a rifle platoon commander during the battalion’s training and deployment in support of Operation Freedom in Iraq.

He was accepted into the Marine Corps Foreign Area Officer program and attended the Naval Postgraduate School earning a masters degree in National Security Affairs with an emphasis in East Asian studies in 2009. He attended the follow on Chinese language training at the Defense Language Institute and then served for one year in the People’s Republic of China. 

His assignment at Naval Academy at Annapolis in 2014 was to serve on the Commandant of Midshipmen’s staff. In addition to his regular duties, he was the men’s varsity basketball officer representative.

He takes us through the basics of the United States Marine Corps as an introduction to a series about the USMC and it's connection to the United States Naval Academy.

Video of this episode on Facebook

Follow the Academy Insider on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

To stay most up to date with Grant, Naval Academy updates, and real estate insights, follow him on LinkedIn

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

This podcast is independently produced and reflects the views and opinions of its creators. It is not officially affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the United States Naval Academy or its affiliates.

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 matches service academy families with trusted real estate teams all across the country.  Text (650) 282-1964 with any real estate questions.

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

Connect with Grant on Linkedin
Academy Insider Website
Academy Insider Facebook Page

If you ar...