Karl Smith

Karl Smith is a proud military academy dad, writer, and chronicler of the unique, high-stakes journey of raising service academy officers. As the parent of both a United States Naval Academy graduate and a United States Air Force Academy graduate, Karl has lived through the dizzying heights of Induction Days and the gut-wrenching anxiety of grueling training cycles.

Through his popular blogs, MyKidTheMid and MyKidTheCadet, Karl has spent years building a supportive community for service academy families. His writing combines a journalist’s sharp eye for detail with a father’s warm wit and deep compassion, exploring everything from the raw stresses of application season to the immense pride of Commissioning Day.

When he isn't writing or connecting with fellow academy parents, Karl can be found cheering on the Midshipmen and Falcons, sharing advice with incoming families, and celebrating the incredible communities forged through military service.