Nuclear program

[Lynn (proud mom of TWO SAILORS)]

My son s supposed to go to basic in September. He is going into the Nuclear program but is having reservations about it and would like to talk to someone that is in the program now or has already been through the program. He is living in Norfolk VA. with his sister and brother-in-law, who is currently in the Navy. Is there anyone out there who would be willing to talk to him and answer any questions that he has??

[Anti M]

The nuke moms group would be a very good place to ask.

[Lynn (proud mom of TWO SAILORS)]

Where would I find this group on here? I am fairly new to all of this! Thank you so much

[pueo]

Here's the link
Nuke moms

[Denise 2]

I can tell you my husband went through it, my brother and so did my son. Hubby nad brother were about 30 years ago and son was just 4 years ago. I know he helped my son knowing that his dad could understand some of what he was going through. From the moms side you have to be a good cheerleader at times. I am sure my hubby would help if needed.

[Cynthia (#410)]

Dear Lynn, Funny you should ask - I'm in Charleston as we speak so we could attend my son's graduation from Nuke Power school (yesterday). Not such an extravagant ceremony as PIR but still a big deal. The Nuke program is INTENSE but most kids that get in can handle it. All the kids here want to be here and want to learn so no slackers asleep at the back of the class. The amount of required study hours depends on their grades. Most make EM3 by the end of Power school = higher rank & pay. Only 1 in my son's class did not get his "crow" (rank ensignia) and he had gotten into trouble and been demoted. The first 3 months are called "A" school and the bachelors live on base. They can have computers, cell phones, tv's, etc. just like home. No real time for girls because they study so much although from your pic it looks like your son is married. No big deal - I just don't know what differences there are for the hubbys. Once they start Power school (the 2nd 3 month period) they can have a POV (personally owned vehicle) then they must get living quarters off base while going through Prototype (the hands on training part). After Prototype, either they are assigned to the fleet or can try to get into OCS (officer candidacy school). The Nuke program is SO worth it. They pay is great and my son knows how to run things he couldn't have cared less about a year ago (lol) - i.e. the card key reader to his room.

This is a great site for info and support. Check out Karen Gallagher - she's like the Nuke team mom around here because she's got three. Also, make "search" your favorite thing - blogs, etc are tagged with key words and you can find out a lot of info that way.

Hang in there mom (and sailor)! You're in for the ride of your life :) My best advice for your son right now - work hard on the PT (physical training). It's an important part of boot camp and the Navy overall. My son spent an extra week in boot because he didn't do his PT as a DEP. And remember, don't worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself and today has enough worry of its own.

Prayers & hugs, Cindy

[Jut`s mom]

Cindy, My son went to boot camp last week, then he is is going to Charleston, entering the Nuke field, Thanks for the information you posted on here, I wasn`t aware that they graduated from A school or that they could have their own car later on. paula

[Lynn (proud mom of TWO SAILORS)]

No my son isn't married...that is my son-in-law in my picture. The other men in the picture (with the exception of their dad but I guess you can consider him my boy! lol) are my boys. The one we are discussing is the one on the left in the picture.

[jblock1]

My son in in prototype right now. He finishes on Aug 9th. What kind of reservations is your son having? I can ask my son if he'd talk to your's. There are three rates that go to nuke school, EM, ET and MM. My son is a MM, which rate has your son picked?

Cynthia is right about the PT - especially running, make sure he can get the run done in time.

[Bea S.]

Hi Lynn,
I just want to clarify Cynthia's statement regarding entrance into Officer Candidate School. If your son has a college degree (in engineering or physics), he should be applying directly to OCS, more or less officer's equivalent to basic Boot Camp (3-4 months depending on whether the candidate gets roll back for any number of reasons). Officer's pay scale is higher than enlisted. If your son has not finished college, he could get into Nuke program and try to get his degree during his time in the Navy. That would be easier if he did NOT go into the submarine service. On a carrier, he can get online and take courses. Keep in mind, these guys are pretty busy while the boat is out in deployment. I know a very fine young man who joined the Navy at 18 (nuke program), got his degree in electrical engineering, applied and was accepted into OCS. He is now 28 and going to a very prestigious university for his MBA. When he is done with the Navy (after 20 years), he'll be under 40 with lots of opportunities in private industry, if he chooses to leave the Navy. My son entered OCS after finishing college with a degree in electrical engineering. He is an officer on a submarine, currently out on deployment. He tells me that the enlisted guys are just as smart as the officers - they just didn't go the college route after high school. The nuke guys are at top of the chart in math and science. Your son must be very smart and enjoy technical stuff. Best regards, B.

[Lynn (proud mom of TWO SAILORS)]

He is a college graduate but just with a BS in Business Administration. He is great in math and science. I have forwarded him all the responses I am getting. I hope he changes his mind and sticks with this decision to join the navy. I feel like it would be the BEST decision for him in his life right now.

[Cathy (Mike's proud mom)]

Hi,
My son is in NUKE school now and is in the process of applying for STA21 (Seaman to Admiral) program. It's probably the best officer program the Navy offers its enlisted men. Basically, they apply to the program after basic (My son has finished A school and will soon finish Power schooI). They submit their grades, letters/essay, and take part in interviews. It's pretty competitive. If selected, they attend a university (selected from a Navy-approved list of top schools) and earn their degree while going through ROTC. The Navy pays tuition, housing, fees, and salary, the works. Upon completion the participants have a bachelor's degree (usually in engineering or another technical field) and officer rank and are ready to move forward in their careers. This way, it makes earning the degree a top priority - they don't have to try to take classes while on deployment. It also sets them up nicely for when they are no longer in the Navy and looking for work in a civilian field, since thay will have experience as well as the degree and won't need to go back to school immediately on discharge. Your son might consider looking into this option. Fair winds, Cathy

[Brenda-PNM of Gabrielle]

Cathy,
Thank you for explaining the STA21 program.
I have a DEPPER daughter (she is 18) who will be in the Nuke program.(she is scheduled to go to BC March 2010-possibly earlier.)
She just found out about the program and is very interested but we were not sure how it worked.
So your saying after A school if she gets accepted she stops and goes to college? We thought she kept doing her job abd would do classes online?

Brenda