ELT vs MM

[BunnyT]

My son graduates power school soon. He is considering becoming an ELT. Does anyone know the possible advantages/disadvantages of this decision in regards to being in the fleet and even beyond the navy in the civilian nuclear work field?  Thanks!

[Zazzws]

From: http://www.cnrc.navy.mil/nucfield/today/prototype.htm

Upon completion of the 6 month academic course at Nuclear Power School, students are assigned to one of the two Nuclear Power Training Units (NPTU's) where there are several nuclear reactor prototypes in operation. The locations are Ballston Spa, NY and Charleston, SC.

The prototypes serve a two-fold purpose: to test power plant designs, and to train Navy personnel to operate and maintain nuclear propulsion plants. The prototypes are identical in nearly all aspects to their sea-going counterparts. The typical trainee spends six months qualifying as a nuclear power plant operator. Part of this period is spent learning in detail all of the systems and components of the prototype. In order to provide the highest degree of competence and safety in nuclear propulsion plant operations, it is essential that all operators have a thorough understanding of the plant as a whole. By the time a trainee reports to his nuclear-powered ship, she or he already has considerable experience in operating and maintaining a nuclear propulsion plant.

WELDER TRAINING

Upon completion of operator qualifications, selected Machinist's Mates receive extensive welding training in Groton, CT. This training starts with student qualification in ordinary mild steel welding and proceeds to the highly specialized stainless steel welding process. Welding school is an additional school with an additional two months of training.

ENGINEERING LABORATORY TECHNICIAN TRAINING

Selected Machinist's Mates receive extensive training in Nuclear and Steam plant water chemistry control, laboratory procedures, radiological chemistry and controls and radiological monitoring instruments. Engineering Laboratory Technician Training will add three additional months to the time spent at the prototype.

[BunnyT]

thanks for the info! Do you know if it would be advantageous to do the ELT in the long run or would it be better in a civilian power plant to have the MM background? Would they still do the same job with either background in the navy or in a civilian plant?

[Zazzws]

Towards the end of prototype approximately 10% of MM's are given the option of ELT training. Only MM's are given the option. I would advise your sailor to accept the opportunity, or any training opportunity for that matter.

[BunnyT]

Again, thanks for the info. He has been making good grades so he may have the opportunity to do the ELT training. He is very interested to do so and wanted to make sure it would be the right decision if the opportunity does present itself.

[Bill's Mom]

My son is a MM/ELT. I am of the opinion that any further training can only be an advantage.. My son is on a nuclear submarine, so what I have to say only has to do with subs. My understanding is that he performs all the regular duties of MM and the ELT portion of his job is an additional duty. I am a quality control technician myself so I was thrilled when he chose to become a Lab Tech too!

[Casey~ Ryan's Wife, Nuke ELT MM2]

My husband is about 1/5th of the way through Prototype (just started on-crew) and really wants to do ELT. He says it would help greatly both in the Navy and in the civilian world :)

[BunnyT]

Thanks! how is prototype going? Does he think it is easier or harder than power school?

[Casey~ Ryan's Wife, Nuke ELT MM2]

Um, well, he kind of describes it as "different" more than harder or easier, haha. He has really blossomed in Nuke school, I guess the Navy life has suited him more than college did. But he really likes how Prototype is self-paced - he and his buddy worked really hard the first 7 weeks of Prototype so that by the last couple of weeks of off-crew, he was on "staff hours" which are really reduced hours. He worked really hard for it, but it was definitely worth it. He just started crew shifts this week though so we'll see how these crazy shifts go!

Has your son talked about "welding" at all? It's another kind of specialization that MMs can get in to. Ryan says if he doesn't get ELT, he'd really like to try for welding. Both specialties would really help in the civilian world because it's just more skills/experience that they have, you know? If you or your son are interested, you might try out www.nukeworker.com. It's a forum where both navy nukes and civilian nuke workers come together and talk about experiences. Some threads are more helpful than others, and we have learned a lot about the civilian world of nuke life from that site :) When you see its homepage, it looks kind of overwhelming and hard to navigate, but after a few minutes it'll be easier. Ryan hasn't quite made up his mind if he is ready to make the Navy a career, so we're trying to find out as much info as possible.