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I’m joined by Gabe Iglesias, a fresh USNA graduate (Class of 2026) heading to the submarine force, to walk through what Professional Training for Midshipmen actually looks like during PROTRAMID when you’re on the road, on base, and suddenly holding a lot more freedom than you had in Bancroft Hall.

We talk about why Protramid right after plebe year is such a big deal for service selection. You might show up convinced you want aviation, then discover the cockpit is not your happy place. Or you might step onto an SSBN thinking submarine life is all pain, then realize the crew culture, the mission, and yes the food can change your perspective fast. Gabe breaks down how the summer training blocks and sub-groups rotate, what changes between East Coast locations like Norfolk and Kings Bay versus West Coast time in San Diego, and why “transit days” can make or break your weekends.

We also get practical about the stuff parents ask nonstop: per diem and pay timing, DFAC versus eating out, duty vans and who holds the keys, and the liberty dynamic that creates great memories. If you’re heading into PROTRAMID, supporting a midshipman, or trying to understand Naval Academy summer training, this is the clarity you’ve been looking for.

Subscribe, share this with a plebe or parent who needs it, and leave a review if Academy Insider helps. What’s the one Protramid question you still want answered?

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

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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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