Navy Nuclear Program, Should I Consider It?

[appleguy123]

Recently, I've been getting a lot of calls from military people because of my high ASVAB score last year. Today, this strange number kept calling me over and over, and eventually I decided I had to answer it. It was a guy from the Navy offering me a spot in the Nuclear program.

I want to be a Biology major, and I'm not really interested in other sciences very much. I'm pretty good at Math though.

Can I join this and still get a Biology degree? Is there anything else I should know before the recruiter tries to sell this program to me( he's making a special trip to my school just to find me, which I find rather odd )?

Thanks for your help.

[r.j.s]

Yes, you can get a biology degree while still working in the nuclear program. I can only tell you to do as much research as possible before making your choice.

[appleguy123]

Originally Posted by r.j.s

Yes, you can get a biology degree while still working in the nuclear program. I can only tell you to do as much research as possible before making your choice.

The military advertises that they will help you pay for college if you join them. Can I use this funding to get a Biology degree, or would it have to be something related to what they want me to do for them?

[bruinsrme]

ABSOLUTELY

It's not easy but if you make it through and do your time opportunities are plentiful.

I work with a lot of professional recruiters, civilian sector not military.
First thing they look for, navy nuke, submarine ET, ST or MT
Then all other military.

My friends that were nukes work in all sorts of industries. Many have gone back to school to study various sciences.

It's a great challenging program that is extremely rewarding in the civilian sector.

Many states offer excellent tuition benefits to veterans. The gi bill is nothing to scoff at either.

You can always go seek out a officer program as well, there they will not only pay for your school but pay you to go.

There are some great programs offered.

You local town or district should have a VA rep that for the most part be very willing to explain the benefits of the gi bill and your state.

[r.j.s]

Originally Posted by appleguy123

The military advertises that they will help you pay for college if you join them. Can I use this funding to get a Biology degree, or would it have to be something related to what they want me to do for them?

You can use the funding for any degree, as long as it is higher than what you already hold.

e.g., I got my associate degree last year in computer science, but I am now working towards my Bachelor's in Communications.

====

The Navy nuke program is awesome, btw.

[likemyorbs]

My friend started the navy nuclear program last year. he said it was brutal and he ended up failing out of it. he said the failure rate was very high. but give it a shot anyway.

[r.j.s]

Originally Posted by likemyorbs

My friend started the navy nuclear program last year. he said it was brutal and he ended up failing out of it. he said the failure rate was very high. but give it a shot anyway.

He went to the ship unrated, right?

The last thing you'd want to do is fail and be assigned unrated.

[appleguy123]

Originally Posted by r.j.s

The Navy nuke program is awesome, btw.

What do you do in the program? I'm not actually responsible for making weapons that can kill thousands of people, right? Because I'm not sure how I'd feel about that.

Do Nuke people have to go to bootcamp and stuff like that? Or is that only combat people?

[bruinsrme]

Originally Posted by appleguy123

What do you do in the program? I'm not actually responsible for making weapons that can kill thousands of people, right? Because I'm not sure how I'd feel about that.

Do Nuke people have to go to bootcamp and stuff like that? Or is that only combat people?

the nuke program is all about the operation, theory, maintenance, chemistry and so on about Steam reactors.

You will go to boot camp
Then off to the nuke pipeline.

It is brutal. I worked with some of the "nuke waste" on the subs I was on. Some just didnt handle the stress while others couldn't handle the material.

Depending how far you get through the pimple will determine if you are rated or not. The majority that made it to the subs I was on we're rated, e-4.

You can send me a PM and if you are on linked in I can introduce you to some people that went through the program

[r.j.s]

Originally Posted by appleguy123

What do you do in the program? I'm not actually responsible for making weapons that can kill thousands of people, right? Because I'm not sure how I'd feel about that.

No. You care for the reactors that power the ships.

Do Nuke people have to go to bootcamp and stuff like that? Or is that only combat people?

Yes, you still have to do Navy basic.

[appleguy123]

What is so hard about the nuke program that makes people want to drop out? Is it physical or mental?

If you do have to drop out, what happens to you? Are you free to live a civilian life, or do you have to take another Navy job?

[likemyorbs]

Originally Posted by r.j.s

He went to the ship unrated, right?

The last thing you'd want to do is fail and be assigned unrated.

He never went to a ship, they had him doing bitch work for a while and then he was discharged for medical reasons, he was happy though because he was looking for a way out. Just wasn't his thing.

[r.j.s]

Originally Posted by appleguy123

What is so hard about the nuke program that makes people want to drop out? Is it physical or mental?

Mental.

If you do have to drop out, what happens to you? Are you free to live a civilian life, or do you have to take another Navy job?

You get sent to a ship unrated, which means you have to paint, clean and do other menial tasks until you qualify to request a new rating - and a different school.

[bruinsrme]

Originally Posted by appleguy123

What is so hard about the nuke program that makes people want to drop out? Is it physical or mental?

If you do have to drop out, what happens to you? Are you free to live a civilian life, or do you have to take another Navy job?

Your will learn the ins and outs of the steam reactor.
Chemistry, electrical, mechanical, physics.

If you drop out, well it depends on how far you get through the program.

If early in, A school, you will most likely go to the fleet undesignated.

If you make through A school and drop in C school you may have the options to go through a non-nuclear C school.

If you make it through C school and drop nuke school you could go to the fleet or be able to go through another non-nuclear C school.

It really depends on you and your performance and attitude.

By the way these questions need to be discussed with the recruiter.

If you ask they will discuss the various paths.

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Originally Posted by r.j.s

Mental.



You get sent to a ship unrated, which means you have to paint, clean and do other menial tasks until you qualify to request a new rating - and a different school.

That is not necessarily true. I worked with a number of nukes drops of the ET type side by side on the subs. They were rated as ETs. Same for Mechanist Mates. EM seem to end up o the surface side.
However depending on when you drop will determine where you end up and whether or not you are designated.

[likemyorbs]

Originally Posted by r.j.s

You get sent to a ship unrated, which means you have to paint, clean and do other menial tasks until you qualify to request a new rating - and a different school.

Yeah that's pretty much what happened to my friend. But idk if it was on a ship.

[appleguy123]

And what are my kids of dying at this job?

[appleguy123]

Also, are there any disadvantages I'm not seeing? I know that I'll be on a ship away from everyone I know for a long time(how long?), but I'm okay with that. I'm fine with being alone.

Does anyone know what the recruitment meeting will be like? Will I have to make a decision on the spot?

[r.j.s]

Originally Posted by appleguy123

And what are my kids of dying at this job?

Not very likely, however, since you would be working around the reactor - don't screw up.

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Originally Posted by appleguy123

Also, are there any disadvantages I'm not seeing? I know that I'll be on a ship away from everyone I know for a long time(how long?), but I'm okay with that. I'm fine with being alone.

Cruises are 6 months (generally).

Does anyone know what the recruitment meeting will be like? Will I have to make a decision on the spot?

Ask all the questions you can think of and don't sign anything. If anything sounds fishy, write down the details, I got friends in the Navy, and we can answer them.

[Sailorloco]

appleguy123,
There is some good info here but if you have any more questions just pm me. I'm active duty Navy Submarine Sonar Tech for 20yrs and also Command Career Counselor. If you really want I can give my cell and we can text or we can talk. I'm not going to try to recruit you or anything. The Navy is not for everybody.
Mando

[treyjustice]

Get your degree first then join the nuclear program as an officer.

[appleguy123]

The recruiter is coming to see any minute now. Any last minute questions you can think of that I should ask?

[Abyssgh0st]

"Why me?"

[ericrwalker]

Good luck, I think it could be a great opportunity for you. Good chance to see the world and get some good experience. If you decide to leave the military, nuclear specialist can make a lot of money.

Good luck.

[Zombie Acorn]

I talked to air force and army a little over a year ago, and they weren't offering sign on bonuses at the time for enlistees. I was eligible to enter as an officer, but the recruiters kept pushing me towards enlisting (stated that officers do not get any "real" respect). I found the recruiters were very good at trying to get all buddy buddy with you and appeal to your patriotic side, be careful and don't sign anything until you've discussed with your loved ones/parents (depending how old you are, I am assuming high school since you just took the ASVAB).

The recruiters aren't always doing what is in your best interest, so be careful is what my advise would be.

Also if you haven't been on a boat/water often, you might want to take a cruise first to see how you handle it.

[ericrwalker]

Originally Posted by Zombie Acorn

The recruiters aren't always doing what is in your best interest, so be careful is what my advise would be.

agreed, anything they promise you make sure they write in your contract. If you join, remember...never volunteer for anything.