Academy Insider

07/13/2026

Did you hear some terms you didn't understand during the first phone call home?

Watch this video.

I break down some of the mosts common Plebe Summer terms that'll help you piece together some of the stories!

This episode will answer:
-What is an alpha code and what does it mean?
-What is a bulkhead?
-What is bearing?
-What does it mean to get dropped or put on your face?
-What are chow calls?
-What does it mean to sound off?
-What is chopping mean at the Naval Academy?
-What does it mean to square your corners?
-What does it mean when my child says they have to stick out their paw?
-What is a sir or ma'am sandwich?
-What are common punishments during Plebe Summer?

And if you don't learn anything new, at the very least you'll get a good laugh from the stories told by a couple of grads!

Hear something else that you didn't understand? Shoot me a DM and I'll do my best to explain!

07/12/2026

Happy Phone Call Day!!

I hope everyone had a great time talking to their plebe! It can be one of the sweetest moments during Plebe Summer to hear them talk about how everything is going.

But it can also not be so great either.

You may hear from a bunch of parents about how great their calls were. If your call wasn’t so great, IT'S OKAY. I promise you that you’re not alone.

I will be available for the afternoon and evening today if you need to talk. I'm happy to be an unbiased perspective and a place you can vent if you need it.

Please also send me any questions about terms or stories you did not understand, and I will do my best to answer them!!

Congrats on making it to the first call!

07/08/2026

Happy July 8th - a day that will go down in history as one of my worst to date 😂

This is half of the reason I decided to start Academy Insider. I put my parents through the absolute wringer of having to worry about me day in and day out, because I was NOT having a good time.

I want to be a resource that will provide context to the Midshipman experience so all of the Support Squads out there can better understand what's going on and better love their Midshipman.

For every family member who received a letter or a phone call that resembles this type of sentiment, don't hesitate to reach out to me. I will gladly chit chat with you and be a resource however I can.

This moment and the subsequent struggle of Plebe Year taught me an incredibly important lesson that I try to reiterate often: Never make a permanent decision based on temporary emotions.

This is why I’m passionate about the Naval Academy.

Because I almost threw away all these life changing experiences.

And for the rest of y'all who had great calls and are receiving awesome letters, I am so happy for you! Please also feel free to reach out if you have any questions that I can shed some light into.

Good luck on your Plebe Summer journey!!

07/07/2026

Class of 2029 families - In a letter or during your phone call, you might hear that your plebes aren’t feeling too great. Their throats hurt, they’re coughing, they have a slight fever, or maybe they just feel terrible (and it’s not just because their detailers keep yelling at them).

If so, it is likely that they have fallen victim to the ‘plebe hack’.

The plebe hack is the name given to the bug that tends to hit a large number of plebes during each summer. As a result of close living quarters, exhaustion, and less-than-impressive hygiene, the plebe hack runs rampant through Bancroft every year without fail.

However, the issue of hygiene is not for a lack of effort put forth by the administration and the detailers.

To learn more about the 'Plebe Hack' check out the blog article below.

Blog: https://www.academyinsider.com/blog/the-plebe-hack?fbclid=IwY2xjawSeuFxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81MTQ3NzE1NjkyMjgwNjEAAR6WZGxMr0KeP0KutcD_HOA0YZjh_XehdxqeavRP1-T6I797kSGaa0Teg5DKEA_aem_BIlgJGXckKPn_UpFAxLSGQ

The plebe hack is the name given to the bug that tends to hit a large number of plebes during each summer. As a result of close living quarters, exhaustion, and less-than-impressive hygiene, the plebe hack runs rampant through Bancroft every year without fail.

06/29/2026

Class of 2030 families - have you heard about "Blue and Gold?"

One tradition that holds a special place in the hearts of many Midshipmen is the Plebe Summer nightly ritual known as "Blue and Gold." Today, I want to share some insights and provide a little context to help you understand.

Blue and Gold is the last official event of each day during Plebe Summer. It's a time when Plebes gather with their detailers to wrap up the day's activities, receive important information, and prepare for the next day. But it's more than just an administrative meeting.

To learn more and get a better understanding, check out this blog article below.

There is also a podcast episode linked in the blog all about Blue and Gold! Enjoy!

One tradition that holds a special place in the hearts of many Midshipmen is the Plebe Summer nightly ritual known as "Blue and Gold."

06/27/2026

Class of 2030 Families - Do you know the components of the uniform that plebes wear during plebe summer?

Did you see your Plebe on I-day and wonder about the uniform?

While those on the outside think of them as sailor suits, the “white works echo” are the official working uniform of the 4th Class midshipmen. In addition to Plebe Summer, you may see upper-class midshipmen going to class in this uniform after losing a bet during the Academic Year.

Learn about the components of the “white works echo” uniform by reading the blog article below.

While those on the outside think of them as sailor suits, the “white works echo” are the official working uniform of the 4th Class midshipmen. In addition to Plebe Summer, you may see upper-class midshipmen going to class in this uniform after losing a bet during the Academic Year.

06/27/2026

The Parent Journey at the Naval Academy can be full of every single emotion in the world.

Pride. Excitement. Nervousness. Fear.

How are you navigate the emotional roller coaster of parenting a midshipman?

Karl Smith, a two-time Service Academy parent, shares his heartfelt journey with us. From his son Noah's intense Plebe Summer at the Naval Academy, Karl provides a reflective and invaluable perspective. We also draw comparisons with his daughter Katie's experiences at the Air Force Academy. Tune in as Karl opens up about the evolving dynamics between parents and their midshipman children and the importance of personalized support.

Every family's story is unique, and Karl's insights underscore that truth. He offers powerful advice on handling the highs and lows, such as not making permanent decisions based on temporary emotions. From the pride of watching a child captain a boat at Fleet Week to the anxiety of potential expulsion, Karl's experiences are a testament to the resilience required in supporting loved ones at military academies. Learn how preparedness and experience can be your best allies in these demanding environments.

He answers questions such as:

- How did you balance the selflessness of not being a burden on your son
but also staying involved, engaged, and interested in his experience at the Naval Academy?
- How would you describe the Naval Academy journey as a parent?
- How different has the experience been between the Air Force Academy (USAFA) and the Naval Academy (USNA)?

Make sure to check out the episode!!

06/26/2026

Class of 2030 families - in case you miss something here on Facebook or Instagram, I highly encourage you to sign up for the Academy Insider newsletter.

I will be sending out newsletter content through the entirety of Plebe Summer! Join our community of close to 2000 families signed up for the newsletter and never miss an update from Academy Insider.

By subscribing to our newsletter, you'll receive the latest news, highlights, personal updates from Grant, and exclusive content directly in your inbox.

Thank you so much for your support!

You can find a link to sign up in the Academy Insider instagram profile.

06/26/2026

Families of the Class of 2030 - This One's For You!

While there may be excitement, nervousness, pride, anxiety, and every other feeling in the world in the air today after dropping your plebe off at I-day, I want to help bring your focus back to the purpose of Plebe Summer.

Listen to this episode of the Academy Insider podcast, where I sat down with former Commander Mike Murnane to talk about the purpose of Plebe Summer. We actually worked together when he was the Officer in Charge of Plebe Summer and I was the Regimental Commander in 2016. There's not a better human being that him to provide context to the experience.

Mike shares something every parent needs to hear: "It's never personal."

When your plebe feels exhausted, frustrated, or feeling defeated, understand that every single moment of intensity is carefully designed. It's the transformation of your loved one from a civilian into a military leader, and that requires breaking old habits and building new ones.

This episode gives you the "why" behind everything the plebes will experience. Understanding the purpose makes those tough phone calls sand letters much easier to handle.

Take a listen to the episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-academy-insider-podcast-your-guide-to-the/id1463594323?i=1000654786315

Please share it with other families who may want to listen as well!

06/25/2026

I-day has arrived!

For all the class of 2030 families, I hope you can soak in these moments and appreciate the start to what will be an incredible journey.

I look back on this photo from 13 years ago in June of 2013, and am floored by the growth and development that took place during my time in Annapolis.

I wish you all similarly special path.

I will be on the yard today - so if you see me, please say hello! I'd love the opportunity to introduce myself!