Comment

Comment by Wynona on February 23, 2017 at 2:09pm

Glenni, did he enlisted as a reservist? Cause active duty enlisted don't get NROTC scholarship.  When is he shipping out? 

Comment by Glenni on February 23, 2017 at 1:20pm

Thanks so much MichPad and Wynona. So if he does get the NROTC scholarship, that would definitely be the route to go, in your opinion?

Comment by Wynona on February 23, 2017 at 12:59pm

What MichPad said is true - if he's trying to go for Nuke for STA-21, his chance is much higher because that's what they want for the most part.  The second highest is actually Pilot and NFO.  Other than that, they most likely have no quota for anything else.  I know a guy who actually got picked up right at his first duty station as Nuke.  Doesn't even know what Enlisted life is like (lucky him).  I will say have him put Pilot as first choice, NFO second, and Nuke third when he submits for STA-21.  AND keep going to school while he's enlisted active duty, and maybe he can apply OCS for Pilot and have them put him to flight school after he gets his degree. 

Comment by MichPad(STA21 Officer Mom) on February 23, 2017 at 12:48pm

Hi Glenni! When my son joined the Navy it was his desire to be a pilot, he did really well at MEPS, paraded him around like a prized bull, but they ONLY offered him Nuke.  He told them he wanted to be a pilot, but they said "no, it's Nuke for you".  I told him he should do NROTC/College and be a pilot that way, but he wanted in right away and didn't want to go to college. He enlisted (6 yrs ago) as a Nuke.  His recruiter said he could still be an Officer, it would just be a harder task to get there.  To my knowledge (unless they've changed things) anyone in the Navy can apply for STA-21, but the reality is they only pick 50 a year, and with the needs of the Navy Nukes comprise of about 75% of the 50.  Once the Nuke is in STA-21 it's not "impossible" to get offered a piloting position, it's just very rare.  I know of only 1 who was offered ANY position he wanted when he commissioned and he chose pilot, he originally was a Nuke. My son would love to have been offered that, but he is happy with being a Nuke Officer.  If you're son just enlisted then he has a long way to go, but I would encourage him to keep his eye on the prize.  Do well in A school, branch out to meet instructors, the Chaplain, any other person in command, and develop relationships.  When he's in Power School he should apply for STA-21.  The application process starts in the Spring, they have to get several letters of recommendation, write an essay, and have oral interviews.  Once his application is turned in in May, he can add to his application packet (any awards, commendations) until a certain date, after that it's just a waiting game till Oct when the announce the new OC's. IMO, if your son gets a scholarship to have college paid for, and is guaranteed a position in the Navy he would be happy with, then he should go that way.  STA-21 is very challenging, and like you said there is no guarantee he'd get picked to begin with, aside from that the OC's have to complete college in 3 years, not 4, and also have to do their Navy duties.  I hope that helps and he choses the best path for himself.  Good luck!

Comment by Glenni on February 23, 2017 at 11:25am

Should add that ultimately he really want to be a pilot

Comment by Glenni on February 23, 2017 at 11:24am

Hi everybody. I'm new here. My son enlisted as a Nuke last week. However, he is still awaiting word on whether he will be awarded an ROTC scholarship. I feel like he will have a big decision to make bc as a Nuke, he can apply for STA-21. I know there are no guarantees. Have any of your sons been in a similar situation? Did any of you have children who received the NROTC scholarship, but still opted to ship off as a Nuke?

Comment by MichPad(STA21 Officer Mom) on February 20, 2017 at 3:19pm

@PacNWmom  Congrats on your new OC!  Yes, there is a small award ceremony and dinner.  I did not go, I went to the Newport St Patrick's Day parade instead.  It was well worth the long flight out from WA, and the opportunity to spend some time with my son.  My sons wife drove up from SC for his graduation from NSI.  

I am the admin for a small STA-21 Moms FB group, and we do have one other Mom who's son is going to NSI this week.  We have many OC's and Officers in different parts of the pipeline.  My son received his commission last May, finished PS on 12/2 and is currently in Prototype at GC. It's a good small group, if you want to join find me on FB and send me a PM.

Comment by Chris on February 20, 2017 at 2:35pm

"Anyone with a sailor reporting to NSI this week? I'd love to be able to talk to others with loved ones in my son's class.

A question for those of you who have been through NSI already: Is there a graduation?"

There is a reception with awards (organized by the OC's) for the families, not really a graduation.  It's a good time. 

"If so, is it formal or more casual?"

In 2010, I wore a jacket and tie, ladies had summer dresses (it was July).  Some men did not have ties as I recall.

Is this one I should try to attend?

Newport is a nice place to visit.  I wouldn't have missed it.

How "important" is it? In other words, is this on the "Make-SURE-you-go-if-at-all-possible" list, like PIR?

Yes.  It's a smaller group (not like PIR at all) than PIR.  Helps you understand the transition from enlisted to officer is a big deal.  I enjoyed it at least as much as commissioning and graduation (hectic on back to back days).  My two favorite milestones were the NSI reception and Winging (my son is a pilot).  Newport is a very unique place, both the town and the base.  Very enjoyable.     

I'm trying to be proactive about travel plans, and it could get complicated.

Congratulations to you and your OC.  Feel free to ask if you need more information.  We stayed at the Days Inn...not the greatest hotel, but, we were not in the room except to sleep and shower.  Very affordable.

Comment by PacNWmom on February 19, 2017 at 6:17pm

Anyone with a sailor reporting to NSI this week? I'd love to be able to talk to others with loved ones in my son's class.

A question for those of you who have been through NSI already: Is there a graduation? If so, is it formal or more casual? Is this one I should try to attend? How "important" is it? In other words, is this on the "Make-SURE-you-go-if-at-all-possible" list, like PIR? I'm trying to be proactive about travel plans, and it could get complicated.

Comment by Carol Aileen on December 1, 2016 at 8:36pm

Welcome PacNWmom! I don't check in here as much as I have in the past - I there is a small group of moms on a fb group that is a little more active if you are interested.... My son was selected during prototype and did not complete prototype before going to NSI. He made it through school and back through the pipeline and reported to his first boat in April and deployed in August! It's been an adventure!

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