DTP and reclassification questions

[van1612]

As I mentioned in the main comments thread, my sailor (fiancé) was informed that he's dropped from the nuke programme as his grades weren't up to par. He was called before an academic board for an interview but didn't pass it. He's going to be sent to DTP and most likely reclassified. I have a couple of questions here mainly because, originally, we were planning to get married at a courthouse in Charleston in December. But it seems that plan is not quite possible now.

1) How does the DTP work and what are some of the duties?

2) How long does the DTP process usually last? Anyone can give a rough range?

3) If he is still in DTP in December, is it possible for him to take leave so that we can still carry on our marriage plans?

4) What are some of the rates that are available to him. He was training as an MM in A School.

I would really appreciate any information!

DTP - Department of Transitioning Personnel

[Northwoodsmom]

My son joined the Navy in January 2020 and was encouraged to become a ET. He headed to Goose Creek and went through A School pretty easily with alot of study time. He graduated A School in September 2020 but once he started Power School he struggled. He was held back, moved into another school concentrating on math, he finished up there and then started a new Power School class. He was doing over 20 hours of mandatory study time and just couldn't get the concepts. Two months before graduation of Power School he was removed from the program. The Navy did everything they could to help my son make it through the program but he just didn't have the math knowledge to finish.  They moved him to DTP in October 2021 and remained there until he was given a choice of 5 different rates, he choose Aviation Electronic Technician. He left DTP in February 2022 and graduated C School in Lemoore CA in February 2023. He is now at his duty station doing his new rate.

What I understand from him is if you graduated A School and go further in Power School you will get a better 5 choices because of the education the Navy provided for you. They also consider your work ethic and your additude. They really know if you are trying and will help you succeed. That being said not everyone who goes in the Nuke program is cut out for the program. Recruiters push them into the program because of their scores. I am happy my son got the chance at it but I now see how much happier and how AT is a better fit for him. He just wants to serve his country whatever capacity he can. I hope this helps someone else that is going through this. Remember your Sailor might feel like a failure or they let you down so they really need your extra support at this time.

[Chipmunk]

Northwoodsmom - Thank you for sharing!!

[jomama]

Northwoodsmom, thank you for sharing your son’s experience. It’s great to hear that your son is doing well in new chosen rate. Congratulations!

Mine is currently in holding, awaiting transfer to DTP. He did not finish A School. He is disappointed but he is ok. He worked really hard but it was not enough. He will not give up on having a successful and meaningful career in the Navy. He knows we are proud of him, future Nuke or not. 

I was told that my son can be in a holding pattern for weeks. Once in DTP it could be up to eight months before something became available for re-rating. Your son was in DTP for four months. What did he do during that time? I understand that they are put to work doing odd-jobs around the base, but I’m told that there isn’t much work to go around.I’m in touch with another parent of a sailor who is currently in DTP. Apparently, they find DTP very depressing, I gather from having too much time and little direction. Makes me wonder what resources are available to the sailors in DTP? Since not in DTP, no one has really spoken to my son about what to expect going forward. I encourage him to workout, eat well, and find ways to be productive during his downtime. 

[WearsLargeHats]

It has been quite a few years since my son went through DTP. I don't recall what he did while he was there, but he was sure glad to get away from Goose Creek when he got to the "Detach" date on his orders. He was so ready to move on to that he reported to Submarine School early enough that they asked what he was doing there. (It was a few days before his no-later-than date.)

[jomama]

Hello, WearsLargeHat - thank you for your response. It’s wonderful to hear so many sailors who moved on from the Nuke program have done really well for themselves. I’m hopeful that my son will find his way as well. 

[Northwoodsmom]

jomama, I do not want to candy coat this but I do not want to worry you either. My son did not communicate to us very much while he was at DTP. They often feel like a failure and they are trying to deal with it the best as they can. My son told me that me always building him up and telling him how smart he is didn't help, it was something he didn't want to hear..I actually had to step back. Your son probably is totally different but if he does pull away it is nothing you say he just needs time to process it. When they study so hard and put so much time and effort into something and it doesn't work out like they thought it is so difficult. 

I know when my son started communication again he told us he would volunteer for whatever job that came up. Down time is a bummer and more Sailors than jobs. He did volunteer to work on a haunted house during Halloween and was one of the characters. His confidence came back and he started believing in himself again. 

Some of the jobs he did was pull wires in a attic, move furniture, drive the utility vehicles, the van to take other Sailors to the airport or pick-up. Yard work, unloading trucks for the kitchens at the gallery and several odds and ends jobs.

I know some of the Sailors took undesignated rates that were in A school, I was amazed with numbers of Sailors moved to DTP, my son said there was around 120 of them in there when he was there. 

These kids are remarkably smart, they were there because of very high test scores but just because your smart enough doesn't mean you will be good at something. Prayers for your son to find where he will fit in and for you, I know I was a mess with worry for my boy.

[Chipmunk]

jomama - I also posted a comment on the main group page. Encourage your sailor to plan to pay attention to jobs that he might be asked to do and go ahead and volunteer for ones that he would prefer, rather than wait until he is told to do something he would rather not do. At least during INDOC, my son found that worked out for him. 

[jomama]

Great idea, Chipmunk. Thank you. 

[jomama]

Hi Northwoodsmom, I appreciate you being candid. It’s helpful. Thank you for the prayers. We sure need them.

[Northwoodsmom]

Yes, but be careful what you volunteer for. They asked if anyone knew anything about pulling electrical wire, my son worked one year with his Dad pulling wire and said yes. He ended up in a hot attic in SC pulling wire. I remember it because he called to say how hot it was up there. Pulling wire in air condition is a whole lot better.

[Chipmunk]

Very True!! Very True!!! Good point!