How do 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 to his current role as a Lieutenant JG on the USS Florida, Carl provides a reflective and invaluable perspective. We also draw comparisons with his daughter Katie's experiences at the Air Force Academy. Tune in as Carl 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.

We also explore the contrasting experiences between the Naval Academy and the Air Force Academy, highlighting the more inclusive nature of events like I-Day and Herndon at the Naval Academy.  Karl's projects, including his blog, My Kid the Mid, his book "Anchored in Tradition," and his soon to be released book, "Flying High and Diving Deep," aim to provide new parents with valuable insights and support.  With authenticity at its core, this episode stresses the importance of understanding and embracing each midshipman's unique journey at the academy.  Join us for an episode full of wisdom, authenticity, and heartfelt stories.

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)?

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 and the USNA Property Network 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 boutique residential real estate company that specializes in serving the United States Naval Academy community PCSing to California & Texas.

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

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If you are interested in sponsoring the podcast, have an idea, question or topic you would like to see covered, reach out: podcast@academyinsider.com.