Join us as Rex Willis, a Naval Academy graduate and former cyber operations major, takes us on his inspiring journey from College Park, Georgia, to Harvard Business School. Through the Fleet Scholar Education Program (FSEP), Rex exemplifies how a service academy education can unlock unparalleled educational and career opportunities—even while serving as a surface warfare officer. We highlight the transformative impact of these initiatives, illustrating how they enable personal and professional growth beyond traditional military pathways.
We shine a light on the importance of effective leadership and mentorship within the Navy, drawing from Rex's personal experience of supporting a sailor’s career advancement. By fostering a supportive environment and advocating for career progression, leaders can not only fulfill individual aspirations but also retain top talent within the service. We also explore the process of "fleeting up," which allows junior officers to advance to higher roles while maintaining continuity within commands—enhancing both their personal growth and the operational stability of their units.
Rex's story illustrates the profound benefits of the FSEP, from covering graduate education costs to offering diverse career trajectories. We discuss the broader implications of a service academy education, emphasizing the importance of academic excellence, mentorship, and networking for maximizing career opportunities. With personal anecdotes and insights, we underscore the generational impact of such an education, providing transformative opportunities not only for individuals but also for their families.
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.
Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör GRANT VERMEER. Innehållet i podden är skapat av GRANT VERMEER och inte av, eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.
