The NAPS Advantage: Laying the Foundation for Naval Academy Success

Jul 19, 2025

What is NAPS?

The Naval Academy Preparatory School, commonly known as NAPS, is a one-year program designed to prepare candidates academically, physically, and militarily for success at the United States Naval Academy. Located in Newport, Rhode Island, NAPS plays a vital role in helping future midshipmen transition from civilian life to the rigorous demands of the Academy.

NAPS Structure

NAPS is organized into three companies, each with two platoons. The indoctrination period, or "indoc," lasts about three and a half weeks - roughly half the length of Plebe Summer at the Naval Academy. During this time, midshipman candidates are introduced to military life, discipline, and the physical and mental challenges they'll face at the Academy.

Preparing for NAPS Indoctrination

If you're gearing up for NAPS indoc, here are some key areas to focus on:

1. Physical Fitness

Pay special attention to running. Run. Run. And Run some more. It's so important for your injury prevention even more than elite performance.

2. Mental Preparation

Approach NAPS with an open mind. Don't shut anything out based on first impressions. Remember, NAPS is about balancing three key aspects: military, academics, and athletics. Focusing solely on one area, particularly athletics, can lead to a difficult experience.

3. Communication Expectations

During indoc, like Plebe Summer, you won't have access to your phone. However, you'll be able to send and receive letters, and unlike Plebe Summer, you'll have weekly phone calls home.

4. Academic Readiness

NAPS provides excellent academic preparation for the Naval Academy. You'll take courses in English, physics, chemistry, and math - many of which directly correlate to your first-year Academy courses.

Advice from a Former Battalion Commander

In my podcast interview, I was able to talk to PJ Roach, a guy who has been through NAPS and later led the indoctrination process as the NAPS Battalion Commander. Here's his advice for future midshipman candidates:

Be proactive: Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek guidance from the military staff. They're there to teach, coach, and mentor you.
Embrace the experience: Understand that NAPS is about more than just athletics or academics. It's preparing you for a multifaceted career in the Navy or Marine Corps.
Stay resilient: The INDOC period can be challenging, but remember it's designed to help you grow and prepare for the Academy.
Build relationships: The bonds you form at NAPS can last throughout your Naval Academy journey and beyond.

The NAPS Advantage

NAPS provides a unique opportunity to build a strong foundation for your Naval Academy career. It offers academic reinforcement, physical conditioning, and an introduction to military life that can give you a significant advantage when you arrive at the Academy.

Remember, your NAPS experience is what you make of it. Approach it with an open mind, be willing to challenge yourself, and take advantage of the resources and mentorship available to you. The skills and resilience you develop during this time will serve you well not just at the Naval Academy, but throughout your military career and beyond.

As you prepare for this exciting chapter in your life, stay focused on your goals, but also remain open to the transformative experience that NAPS offers. Your journey to becoming a Naval officer starts here, and NAPS is designed to set you up for success.

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.