Discharged from Nuke Program

[ChuckG]

Unfortunately My son sent us a text that he is out of the nuke program--His scheduled graduation date was 1/30 and because of a facility issue at Goose Creek where the ship wasn't working properly they delayed it until 3/30. He told us he was SO FAR behind, was given work to catch up plus the work that needs to be done every day. He struggled through A-School..barely passing. He struggled through Power School--barely passing...and Prototype did him in. His supervisors are saying he is a worthless piece of shit, that he isn't trying hard enough. Honestly, I think he has the brains to pass the tests to qualify to get into the nuke program..but isn't up to snuff cognitively to make it through the program. They aren't even talking about transferring him. Right now he is working in the administration office because they have nothing else for him and he is very likely to be discharged soon. This breaks his mom and my heart because he REALLY wanted to go in doing something with computer science and the recruiter was insistent the nuke program was so much better--everyone passes...etc...and a less than honorable discharge for not being cognitively able to make it through the program is just crap in my opinion.  He was told that they would put his name out there to a couple bases that he could possibly qualify for but, "if they don't want you...which they probably won't...who would?' then your shit out of luck. They told him he wasn't going to amount to crap as a civilian. He has busted his ass with hours..puts in the extra-required hours and then some. I understand being tough and realistic to motivate...but they are doing it to demean and get rid of him. I don't see how not being able to pass the nuke program equals being a miserable failure in life or not being able to even be a cook or a conventional sailor....makes no sense and as pro-military as I have always been...right now I'm questioning everything. 

[ChuckG]

I totally understand we are only getting his side of the story here. He's a brutally honest kid and that is perhaps part of his problem. When we asked him how he did when he finished A-School he told us he barely made it...it was incredibly difficult and he had the lowest score of anyone in A School. That was the same story he told us after completing Power School. Unfortunately, his worst attribute is his communication skills and I am sure that is weighing him down with the people he is dealing with. 

[Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke]

My father was a highschool dropout that joined the Navy.  While he didn't join as a Nuke, the skills he learned as an Electrical Engineer served him well when he got out of the Navy.  

[van1612]

I'm sorry but I'd beg to differ that all instructors have the integrity and respect to not resort to name calling. My sailor was subjected to ridicule and was called stupid and lazy. True he wasn't doing very well even though he had been working very hard, I don't think he deserved that.

[maureenwithfive]

Our son graduated college with two associates degrees (Community College) Liberal Arts and Science, graduated with top honors, top 1% of his class, President of Phi Theta Kappa, started and was the president of the math and science club, worked in the Tutoring Center as one of the lead tutors and simply performed wonderfully in college.

He got to Nuke school and almost crumbled.

Rather than being the top performer in his classes, he had to be content with "2.5 to stay alive!" as his mantra.  This was a HUGE emotional setback for him... he joined the Navy fully expecting to kick ass and take names.

Instead, he's had to accept so-so grades and not being the go-to guy for other people who need help.  More often than not he's asking other people for assistance.

Why has this happened?

Well it's certainly not because he's not putting in the hours or doing his very best...

It's because the Navy's way to study and learn is NOT our son's way of learning.

In Nuke school, you don't necessarily have to be super intelligent to succeed, but if you can memorize information easily you have it made.

Therefore, for our son who sucks at memorization, A-School and Power School were pretty darn difficult to get through.

Prototype is a little easier for him because the Navy uses the same computer testing system he used in college, and there is a little more practical - hands on - training involved.

He's going to make it, but we've had to do a lot of reassuring and parental counseling during the first two schools.

We feel sad your son is experiencing the problems he is, and that you as his father are having to deal with the sense of helplessness when it comes to protecting your boy, and are not able to.

Trust me, we get it...

And no, it doesn't seem fair to us either.

We're praying your son gets picked up for the computer rating that he originally wanted and has a successful career in the Navy.

[Mama Candy]

Well said, thank you for your comments.

[darlene nuke mom ny]

So sorry to hear about your son, and to hear he has been treated so poorly. I hear for each Nuke recruiters get signed up they count them as two recruits. I hope the best for your son, I know you will support what ever he does.

[buffalonavymom]

My son finished the nuke program and shipped out over a year ago. While he was in school they lost a number of very good people because of the program. I just wanted to say that I believe every one of them was rerated elsewhere in the navy and the parents who posted about their rerated children all posted that they were happy and doing well in other parts of the navy. I don't know why the trainers would be so hard on him and I find that very sad that anybody would be a jerk to him while he's already down on himself. I hope that he gets a rerate to something that works well for him, but if not then it does sounds like he has a lot of support at home to help him realize that a different door just opened up for him. Prayers for him and your family.

[Flylady]

Mr. parent, this can be a very important learning experience for your son. This is a taste of real life. Be careful with his hurt that, it doesn't turn into anger at the world. Helping him refocus will be very important. Best wishes to all of you.

[ChuckG]

I got a very nice email from the commander at NNPTC. He assured me that they do NOT separate or discharge from the Navy...he says, "What I can firmly assure you is that if a Sailor does not succeed academically we do NOT separate them.  They are given the opportunity to re-rate (find another job and skill set) and continue to serve.  The only Sailors that are separated are those that have other issues such as conduct, legal, physical or medical.  No one is separated for no completing the training on academics alone." 

He isn't the commander of prototype...just the NFAS and NPS. He said he would look into my son's service to date and was available to talk by phone if I wanted to call him.

[BoyWonderMom]

Chuck, it is fantastic that you had a response from NNPTC. Brings a calming effect in all this unfortunate situation. My husband is a navy veteran and he was sure your son wouldn't be separated, he says it takes a lot to be discharged with something less than honorable. Hope your son is holding on and you and mom too. The best for your son, hope so much he gets what he originally wanted.

[B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)]

Glad you got a response Chuck - and that provides some relief.  It could take some time for your son to be re-rated so be patient.  Tell your son to hang in there.....and you & mom too.

[maureenwithfive]

That's great news!