NStar Articles

Spring is here, and you know what that means: it’s time to shake off those winter blues and freshen up your wardrobe with some brand-new REAL Navy gear that gives right back to the mids!

[Updated for 2025]

It’s a word that sparks curiosity. But what exactly is a midshipman? Is it a job? A title? A fancy way of saying “really busy college student in uniform?” Well, yes and no. It’s a role steeped in naval tradition, a rank earned through rigorous training, and an experience unlike any other. Let’s dive into the history, meaning, and daily life of a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Congratulations, plebe parents! You’ve officially embarked on an adventure like no other: one filled with pride, tradition, and more acronyms than you ever thought possible. Your newly minted plebe is about to begin one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of their life: Plebe Summer at the United States Naval Academy (USNA).