I qualified for the Navy Nuclear program?

Question

So I was getting bored with the McJob, going nowhere, dropped in to a recruiter's office. I told him that I wanted something complicated and challenging (I was thinking air traffic control.) I went to MEPS, got a 97 on the ASVAB, and the Nuclear program is dropped into my lap.

Nuclear? Cool!

So, I'm looking to steepen my learning curve. I never took advanced math, chemistry, or physics in HS (I'm more than a couple years out). I honestly was an underachiever, because... well, my situation was very... bad. very bad. I know that they'll teach me everything I need to know in "A" school, I just don't want to have to play constant catch-up. Anyone have ideas about how to prepare? Thanks.

Answer 1

I asked my husband to help to answer this one because it is right up his alley. He is in the Nuclear program. This is what he said:

** Make sure you have good grasp of the basics before you go. You don't need to try to build up a bunch of advaced physics and chemistry, but a working knowledge is going to make the school easier for you. The average student entering only has a high school education, and the lectures are written that way. It is a comprehensive program, so the things that you learn in week one are built on and applied in each future topic.

There are three phases to the training, 1) A school, which is up to 6 months long, depending on what rate you get. In this school, you will lear to be your rate, or job. Electronics technician, electrician, or machinist mate. 2) Power school, which is another 6 months, this is where you will be learning the basics of Nuclear power, from the process of fission, to the generation of electrical power. 3) Prototype, a final 6 months of training. In prototype, you get a taste of the job, you train on an actual reactor. Here you are going to learn what the day to day operations and watchstanding are really like.

If there is one thing that gets you through the whole program better than anything else, it is work ethic. Don't put off what you need to get done jut because you don't feel like doing it. Trust me, the school moves fast, and trying to catch up is like climbing on a rock slide.

I would talk to your recruiter, see what the requirements are if you are initerested in the ROTC or something. It isn't something that we are all looking for (I wasn't interested in becoming an officer when I joined, that happened later). There are other opportunities for officer programs if that is the route you decide that you want to take. REGARDLESS of getting through the program enlisted or offier, it says volumes about your character and work ethic, and Nukes are highly sought by civilian companies. If you don't want to take my word for it, check with DON HITE ( a technical recruiting agency), ORION INTERNATIONAL, or THE LUCAS GROUP.

The job isn't easy. That is why we get paid more. Yes, handling of Nuclear waste is hazardous, so we train on it very carefully. Remeber that the handling of any waste is hazardous. The Navy has a very clear and well documented record of properly handling their waste.

I hope that this was helpfull. Good luck to you!
**

If you have further questions, you can email him at [e-mail]

Answer 2

I, too, qualified for Nuke (ET) but didn't to spend over a year going to all the schools. I wanted to get on a ship, travel the world. I wound up 'testing out' after 8 weeks. I often wondered if that was the best thing for me, but looking back on my life, I think it was what I was supposed to do. Since reporting to my first ship, I've experienced many things, met lots of people and have been to 32 countries(stationed in 3) including a 13 month tour in Antarctica (with a trip to the south pole). Also thanks to the Navy, I met a wonderful woman who's been my wife, lover, friend and helper for over 38 years.
If it's what you think you'd like, there's a great opportunity AFTER the Navy for folks with the training you'll receive.
Good luck, may you have calm seas and favorable winds!
(USN/retired...1965-85)

Answer 3

I went to officer nuke school a few years ago and I'll tell you what my adviser told me. He said "you'll get through...if you want to." That turned out to be a very loaded statement. I did not study anything technical in college and it was a tough time for me. That said, the friends I made in that year of very tough school are some of the best. You just need to ask yourself what kind of job you would be interested in, what kind of people you want to work with, etc. I'll tell you that the quality of life issue that was brought up is crap. Everyone in the Navy works hard. Some rates work more at certain times than others, but in general they are compensated, usually monetarily. Nukes make rate faster than anyone else. That means they get their own rack (on subs) faster than anyone else. You will work with some very interesting people, see some things that you can't even fathom, and go amazing places. If you don't want to do all the school and study there are plenty of other cool jobs out there. You can email me if you want with any questions.

Answer 4

If you got a 97 you should qualify for an NROTC scholarship. My best friend got a 92 and they offered him a full ride (NROTC scholarship) at Ohio State. Check into that. That's a damn good score.
Ask your recruiter about commissioning programs. But, if you do Nuke, enlisted, your resume will be really marketable when you're outta the Navy. Good luck.

Answer 5

Sounds like you're smarter then you give yourself credit for. Don't worry, Navy schools are excellent you shouldn't have any problems at all. Just think, when you get out no more Mcjob, just a big Ka-ching!

Answer 6

study up anyway you can, like a SAT study guide, or any more advanced guide you can get. Hope you are ready for lots of learning, the A school is over a year long alone, and you have to take a 6 year contract.

Answer 7

Nuclear power systems is a rough place to make rank. Nuclear waste management is hazardous. Why not choose medical or communications?

Answer 8

The'll let you advance as far as your capable,and you'll be helped as much as possible.Your an investment,and the Navy needs good nucs.Good luck!

Answer 9

Are you sure you want to go Nuke, their quality of life in the Navy is horrible, talk to some former nukes before you make that choice,