Plebe Summer Terminology Part 3

Jul 08, 2025

Ever wonder what the heck your son or daughter is talking about in their letters home or during phone calls as a Plebe at the Naval Academy?

Join Troy, Ricky, and me as we break down the unique terminology and traditions that define this intense initiation period, Plebe Summer.

Troy Thompson, Class of 2017, an active-duty Surface Warfare Officer and former quarterback for the Naval Academy football team.

Ricky Conlin, Class of 1999, is the writer and creator of the Black N Trilogy. He is a graduate of the Naval Academy’s class of 1999 and a proud member of the Navy Football Brotherhood. He served as an officer in the Navy for six years before beginning his executive and writing careers.

Gray Space: The Unstructured Time

One term you'll likely hear often is "gray space." This refers to periods in the schedule when plebes don't have a planned evolution or activity. It's during these times that detailers (upperclassmen in charge of training) have full control over what happens.

Gray space can be a mixed bag for plebes. Sometimes it's used for additional training or physical activities, while other times it might be an opportunity to earn back privileges or items that were taken away. Your midshipman might share stories of how they spent their gray space - it could range from intense workouts to uniform races or even educational discussions.

For an in-depth breakdown, check out this podcast all about grey space.

Chits: The Naval Academy's Paperwork

Another term you'll hear frequently is "chit." In the military, including at the Naval Academy, a chit is essentially a form of documentation. There are various types of chits, including:

Leave chits: Requests for time off
Liberty chits: Requests for free time off campus
Medical chits: Documentation of medical needs or restrictions

Your midshipman might mention being "on chit," which means they have an active chit for something, often related to medical issues. This could exempt them from certain activities or grant them special accommodations.

If you see your plebe wearing a glow belt diagonally across their body during Plebe Summer - that indicates that they are currently on chit.

The "Chit Surfer"

You might also hear the term "chit surfer." This is a lighthearted (and sometimes sarcastic) reference to someone who seems to frequently be on medical chits, avoiding physical activities. While it's crucial for midshipmen to take care of their health, there's a cultural emphasis on toughing it out when possible.

Motivated: A Double-Edged Compliment

The term "motivated" has an interesting connotation at the Academy. During Plebe Summer, being called motivated is generally positive - it means a plebe is engaged, trying hard, and going above and beyond.

However, as the academic year progresses, the term can take on a more sarcastic tone. Upperclassmen might say "Motivate me!" to someone who's doing more than necessary or making others look bad by comparison.

It's important to note that while there might be some teasing involved, highly motivated individuals often go on to be extremely successful in their military careers and beyond. The key is finding a balance between excelling and fitting into the Academy culture.

Understanding the Context

As you listen to your midshipman's stories, remember that the Naval Academy experience is unique. The terminology and cultural nuances they pick up are part of their transformation into military officers. While some aspects might seem harsh or strange from the outside, they serve a purpose in building camaraderie, resilience, and leadership skills.

Encourage your midshipman to share their experiences with you, and don't be afraid to ask for clarification on terms you don't understand. This shared language will help you better connect with their journey through the Naval Academy and beyond.

Remember, the goal of Plebe Summer and the entire Naval Academy experience is to transform young men and women into capable, disciplined leaders. The unique terminology is just one small part of that transformative process.

Watch the interview on YouTube here

Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts here

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Founder of Academy Insider and Podcast Host Grant Vermeer

Grant Vermeer 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 specializes in serving the United States Naval Academy community with nationwide consulting and connection.