B'sNukeMoM⚓️MM Happy birthday to your handsome sailor! Thank you so much for posting the donations link. Going to get a box out asap. So heartbroken for these sailors and families
B'sNukeMom, that's a fine looking young man you have there, he must take after his momma!
When you figure out how they grow up so quickly let me know. This is a mystery to me also. My oldest will be 26 this year and my sailor baby just closed on her first house today. Oh my, oh my, how time does fly.
JayDee - glad they were able to close on the house! That's super exciting (and one less thing to worry about with getting ready to deploy!). Good for them :)
Good afternoon all! I have been in this group shortly after he left for boot camp. He just had his PIR last Friday. We met at the airport Saturday at 2 AM and his flight was the first one out. UGH! I thought this next phase would be much easier since he has his cell phone now in A school but unfortunately I still am having a hard time. He is in Goose Creek and I have talked with him briefly since his arrival. I am sure I will be more active asking for advice from those of you who have Nukes who are farther along. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!!
AZ2OH2IL2UT, no, I don't think it gets easier. Mine had his 7 yr anniversary May 12 and I still weep as he walks away. But I know that what he does matters to a whole lot of people. He is serving his country and also many others around the world. It's hard to fathom but it's true.
Right now your new sailor has to learn the ropes to a new way of life. There are lots of rules he doesn't want to break and lot of pressure from not only the navy but what he will impose on himself. Keep sending letters and texts and email and let him know you will talk to him any hour of any day. Mine isn't a great communicator so I know what that's like. Maybe yours will be better. Hope so. but that's why we're here for each other. They also like boxes from home and those are real boosts for them. Hang in their, Mama.
Meanwhile, how did you enjoy PIR? Chills and tears, right? One of the best experiences ever! I bet your sailor got lots of hugs!
June is just a great month for birthday !! Happy day to Dittersmom and sister, (true Gemini twins ) also to B ! ( I can say that cause my birthday was this month also !! )
I just needed to have a happy moment for a change, because I am so heart broken for the loss of our the 7 sailors. I can't even imagine... my prayers are with them...
Also I would like to apologize for making a remark about the lack of rain here in Florida... I think in the last 3 weeks it has rained here all but 3 of those days - at least at my house. So sunshine come back... is this what its like out in Washington?
Colagrl yes, my nuke told me Sunday that there are two busses to the airport for GC, one at 2am and one at 4am. But he also said it was mentioned that they may be flying out on Sunday instead of Saturday, and that they hadn't gotten their flight information yet. We will have to wait until Friday to find out.
Ok, good to know, so maybe we won't cancel our reservations for Sat night until we know more. I had no idea that some might even stay until Sunday. Daughter said she would get her orders today (she thought), but we won't know them until PIR when she will go to GC.
NancyJo (CVN70)- Thank you for your words. I want to be strong and I am such a communicator. I am emotional and wear my emotions on my sleeve. I hope my son communicates more. I am thankful he in stateside for awhile while in A school. I know he is starting his own life and needs to grow and learn the Navy way. My hubby was in the Navy and I remember what deployments were like. My sister retired from the Navy as well, so I am somewhat familiar with how the Navy operates (regarding schedules and timelines). It is much different though this time around with my son. UGH! I know I will get stronger, just like I did through the boot camp process. I will seek guidance from many of you who are going through this as well. Hugs and thank you for all your support. PIR was a wonderful experience. Very emotional and proud moment.
Colagrl- We found out his flight info at his PIR. I was devastated that he would be leaving so early. They actually left GL around 1:30 AM and we met him at the USO at O'Hare at 2AM. There were a lot of sailors who were bused there, but many were going to other destinations. We stayed until 6AM and saw other sailors who were still there. Best of luck with your sailor. I wish you all the comfort and love. These groups are awesome to help provide information and answer any questions we have. I am still in Chicago now, since we just moved from here last fall. It is hard to still be here. I stayed at the Navy Lodge until Sunday and that was hard to be so close to the base and know my son was no longer there. I am staying with some friends until tomorrow when I head back home.
I asked my son what he thought the Fitzgerald sailors would most need and he said, "I don't know anything about those surface guys, but try phone chargers and dip." No dip from me(!), but I found a couple of multi phone chargers and even some waterproof playing cards - just fits in a large APO flat rate with multi-pack undershirts, underwear, socks,travel deodorant, soaps, razors, toothbrushes, gold bond powder, and jolly ranchers - amazed at how much fits, but sad thinking of all their things missing
I talked with my daughter who is in Spain right now and she said there was no news reported of this incident, but then asked if there were any women on board. Do we know if there are any women on this ship? I feel bad for implicitly assuming and then sending only male clothing and toiletries
AZ2OH2IL2UT I to thought it would be easier once my son was at GC. I was having a hard time at first too. I jokingly asked him his first day his class started if he wanted me to give him a wake up call. To my surprise he said if he didn't text me at a certain time to call him. So now every morning I get an I'm up text. I text him back to have a good day and I love him. He sends me one back that he loves me too. It makes me smile every morning.
He usually gives me a quick call, 1 or 2 minutes after class or study hours. He just took his final exam and will graduate A school this Friday. I can't wait to see him and he will come home with us for 10 days.
When following the comments today I knew I just had to jump in tonight - especially reading some of the posts from Colagrl and AZ2OH2IL2UT.
First, yes - when our son graduated boot camp in April they went to the airport very early - left base at 2:30 am but my sons flight wasn't scheduled to leave until 7:30 pm and actually left late at about 8:45 pm. Chicago airport is definitely not the airport I would choose to spend this many hours in. So while it was nice to have that many hours with our sailor it was a bit stressful too because it was at the airport and we were all very tired - especially my son.
Then AZ2OH2IL2UT I must tell you that for me the worst week that I've had since my son left home was his first week or so at GC. And it was really all me but I found that when he was at BC I knew they could only write once a week and almost never got to call so that is what I expected and that is what I got. However when my son got the GC I knew he had is phone and was not in actual class the first 2 weeks (although he was in briefings most of the day and they were classing up) my expectation was that at least for that first couple weeks that we'd talk to him every day. That did not happen. We talked to him just once or twice that first week and since then have talked or skyped once most weekends. We do text some everyday - even if sometimes it's a 'Yup' late in the day when I text 'Are you still alive'.
But I'm very happy and content now and my son seems very happy and content. I learned a couple of things - just because he was out of his briefing for the day didn't mean he didn't have things to do - run errands to stalk up on supplies, laundry, keeping his room clean, getting on the internet to get his banking, insurance etc. set up, learn where things are, etc., etc. And actually relax and have some down time. So once I convinced that it wasn't that he didn't love me anymore I've been fine. But I have to admit that one week I really did feel like I'd been abandoned by my son. But all is now well and really is doing great and we have plans to go visit him late in August - yes right when it's hot and muggy and the middle of hurricane season. But I don't care what the weather is if I get to see my son.
Colagrl - did your son score really high on the ASVAB? From our experience and postings I've read it seems that they put the nukes with the highest ASVAB scores as ET. It may partially depend on which parts were really high if everything wasn't high. But I've definitely heard of someone wanting ET but getting EM or MM and also of people wanting MM or EM but getting ET. Kind of makes me wonder if the choice part is just an illusion. :) My son was lucky though as he did get what he wanted.
ProudOfK- It's like you read my mind. I swear I totally feel the same way you described yourself when your son first arrived to GC. I sent my son a text earlier this evening and...CRICKETS!!! UGH! I will take your advice to heart. Thank you for sharing your experience with me. It helps knowing that maybe my son isn't abandoning me as he starts this new journey.
Colagrl-My son said he wanted to do either ET or EM. He said he got EM. I think there are different factors that determine what they get. What the Navy needs and test scores are the biggest factors. I have heard from a mom who's son scored the highest on the ASVAB and he ended up getting MM. I am not sure if that is what his choice was though.
As far as rates go I believe they take into consideration what the needs of the Navy are then the wishes of the sailors. I will tell you that my daughter scored very high on her ASVAD, wanted to be an MM, and got the rate she wanted.
Great info, thanks! Wow your boys did so well! Our daughter scored 92 on ASVAB, and wanted to be an EM when she went in. We don't know what might have changed since then, I forgot to ask and maybe she doesn't know yet anyway. But we will know REAL soon now!
Hi, so I'm wondering about the ratings. When you say, MMs are mechanics, EMs are electricians, and ETs work on electronics, I'm not sure I understand what that means in terms of jobs. I guess MMs fix. What do EMs and ETs do? And how competitive is this? Does anyone know what the seaman to admiral program is. I heard my son mention that was a program he wanted. How does that affect ratings. I'm so confused
My son scored extremely high on the ASVAB and is now a MM. He actually was very happy about it after the fact. It meaned less time in school before heading to the fleet. He is now based out of Yokosuka, Japan and loves the country!
Ladies, you may also find that your sailor's thinking changes while they're in the program. My daughter went from being all about the Academy to enlisting. She thought she was interested in ELT but when it was offered she politely declined. At this time she says that she wants to wait before looking into STA-21 as she wants some good hands on experience under her belt first. Tomorrow she might have changed her thinking. You just have to hang in there, let them learn and go with the flow.
My son wanted MM and got MM. He wanted more "hands on" is how he put it. And now that's he's in college he's doing Mechanical Engineering because it's more hands on. His girlfriend was an MM ELT. At the end of the day though it's the needs of the Navy.
soccermom19 - I have posted info regarding the STA-21 Program on the right side of our page - under the member profiles. One of the links takes you to the STA-21 group on here where I'm sure they would be happy to give you more info! It's a great program for an enlisted sailor to become an officer.
I think it's important to understand that you can't trust everything a recruiter says. They have quotas and get bonuses and consequently will often say that things that may not be entirely accurate. That's not to say there aren't recruiters who really try to do the right thing but the reality exists.
To be a nuke you have to smart and for our children to be here they had to get the scores. And it's important to do the best they can in school because it will follow into the fleet. But everything is "needs of the navy." My son has been lucky. He got the rate he wanted, got ELT, got Staff, then got the ship he wanted. I don't know that very many get that. Many, many say they didn't get the rate, or the ship, or whatever, they wanted. But I think it's true too that the navy tries to fit the sailor to the job.
Also, subs are all volunteer. You may volunteer sub and get surface (needs of the navy) but you will never want surface and get sub.
When I asked my son about what he trying to get into, he said he wants to work with computers. I don't see that. He is supposed to go to nuke A school after BC. But I don't know. He was interested in becoming an officer as well.
Everything is so confusing because my son is still of the opinion that he understands better because he spoke with the recruiter rather than just some moms (not my words!!!). I tend to think that recruiters do whatever they can and say anything they can to get you in.
Thanks everyone for all the info. This site sure is great.
B'sNukeMom, my daughter wanted MM for the same reason as your son! She thought she really wanted ELT then for her own reasons turned it down. I'm just glad she's doing what she wants. She was very pleased with the ship that they assigned her to.
Oh, and she has her orders. This mom is somewhere between super excited for her and about to throw up.
Tom, you may be right, but my daughter thinks her MM husband is the best looking :)
Haha Tom - I think the MM's are the most handsome ;p (Good to see you back!)
NancyJo is right - it doesn't usually work out like that where they get everything they wish for. The key is for your sailor to be flexible....my son had VA at the bottom of his list - he wanted West Coast but it didn't work out that way. He was happy that his best friend and roommate also got VA (and that wasn't what the BF wanted either) but they were able to continue to room together and they still share a house today. And as much as B didn't like VA he chose to stay there to go to college - go figure!
soccermom19 - all Nukes go through 3 schools. A school, Power school and Prototype. The entire process will take about 2 years (give or take). Both A school and Power school are in Goose Creek, SC. Prototype can be in either GC or in Ballston Spa, NY.
ETN is kind of an odd thing, unlike the conventional ET. Their primary role is as Reactor Operators, and only ETs stand that watch. They also do the regular Electronics Tech work on the reactor control systems. The EMs control and maintain the electrical plant. Manning the steam turbine throttles is, I believe, usually done by an EM. MMs are responsible for the plumbing and machinery, with MM-ELTs handling reactor chemistry and radiation monitoring.
LOL soccermom, I think all our sailors see us as cackling hens (N4Ms dads excepted) sharing sketchy info, not really knowing anything. At first anyway. Eventually most of them realize that we're not as dumb as they thought. We were smart enough to raise them so we must have something going on. My son and I actually have intelligent conversations about his work sometimes. Amazing how smart I got in just a few years.
I haven't read all the comments yet but wanted to jump in about the EM vs. ET positions. Our son scored extremely high on the AS... (sorry, he didn't get his smarts from me :-) )and was assigned EM. I heard, maybe from him, that you get assigned based on what the Navy needs, not your request. There are more EM and MM positions than there are ET positions.
Wow! Most of your comments about the lack of contact w/ your sailor after boot camp fits my son to a tee! Maybe that's a common denominator with Nukes... I do concur that as I lowered my expectations to hear from him, it is better for me, at least!
My heart goes out to the families of our lost sailors. Just happy everyone was found.
My sailor seen the orthopedist he will not at this time need surgery on his foot. GREAT NEWS They released him back to P.T. (but ask where were his tennis shoe from boot camp were?) he told them he had thrown them away as soon as he got here.
soccermom19 - My son is in the STA-21 program. He's an ETN He (like virtually all Nukes) scored very high on the ASVAB, then did very well, academically and otherwise, during the pipeline. He applied for STA-21 while in the pipeline. Applications were due in June, but they don't find out until Nov. He left in Feb. for 8 weeks at NSI, and is now attending college for 3 years. Then it's back to GC to go through the pipeline again as an officer.
So far he's very happy with his decision. As the mama, I'm glad he'll be on dry land for at least the next 4 years. Hope this helps!
I'm heartbroken about the 7 lost sailors. I've had to shield myself a bit from the reports, as I get too upset and anxious. My heart goes out to their families, and to their "Navy family". <sob>
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jun 19, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Here's one more link for donations:
Navy.Marine Relief Society
https://donate.nmcrs.org/page/contribute/nmcrs-donate
Annotate 'Fitzgerald Disaster' in the 'in memory of' line.
Jun 19, 2017
NickSydmom
Jun 19, 2017
NancyJo (NNPTC)
No restrictions on size that I am aware of.
Jun 19, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Today is B's birthday - #28 (how did I get a 28 year old lol?!?). Happy Birthday son! I can't wait until August when we visit him in VA.
Jun 19, 2017
NancyJo (NNPTC)
I can't get over how much he looks like you. What a cutie! I know you can't wait to see him in person. Happy Birthday B from all of us!
Jun 19, 2017
Alison
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MM Happy birthday to your handsome sailor! Thank you so much for posting the donations link. Going to get a box out asap. So heartbroken for these sailors and families
Jun 19, 2017
Dittersmom
The loss of our sailors just saddens me. It also makes me grateful for all of the men and women that serve.
Happy birth day B. Today is also my birthday, my twin sister's birthday, and Sister's birthday.
Jun 19, 2017
JayDee659
B'sNukeMom, that's a fine looking young man you have there, he must take after his momma!
When you figure out how they grow up so quickly let me know. This is a mystery to me also. My oldest will be 26 this year and my sailor baby just closed on her first house today. Oh my, oh my, how time does fly.
Jun 19, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
And Happy Birthday to you Dittersmom (and your sister's too!)
Jun 19, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
JayDee - glad they were able to close on the house! That's super exciting (and one less thing to worry about with getting ready to deploy!). Good for them :)
Jun 19, 2017
AZ2OH2IL2UT
Good afternoon all! I have been in this group shortly after he left for boot camp. He just had his PIR last Friday. We met at the airport Saturday at 2 AM and his flight was the first one out. UGH! I thought this next phase would be much easier since he has his cell phone now in A school but unfortunately I still am having a hard time. He is in Goose Creek and I have talked with him briefly since his arrival. I am sure I will be more active asking for advice from those of you who have Nukes who are farther along. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!!
Jun 19, 2017
NancyJo (NNPTC)
AZ2OH2IL2UT, no, I don't think it gets easier. Mine had his 7 yr anniversary May 12 and I still weep as he walks away. But I know that what he does matters to a whole lot of people. He is serving his country and also many others around the world. It's hard to fathom but it's true.
Right now your new sailor has to learn the ropes to a new way of life. There are lots of rules he doesn't want to break and lot of pressure from not only the navy but what he will impose on himself. Keep sending letters and texts and email and let him know you will talk to him any hour of any day. Mine isn't a great communicator so I know what that's like. Maybe yours will be better. Hope so. but that's why we're here for each other. They also like boxes from home and those are real boosts for them. Hang in their, Mama.
Meanwhile, how did you enjoy PIR? Chills and tears, right? One of the best experiences ever! I bet your sailor got lots of hugs!
Jun 19, 2017
mom of mrams
June is just a great month for birthday !! Happy day to Dittersmom and sister, (true Gemini twins ) also to B ! ( I can say that cause my birthday was this month also !! )
I just needed to have a happy moment for a change, because I am so heart broken for the loss of our the 7 sailors. I can't even imagine... my prayers are with them...
Also I would like to apologize for making a remark about the lack of rain here in Florida... I think in the last 3 weeks it has rained here all but 3 of those days - at least at my house. So sunshine come back... is this what its like out in Washington?
hugs to all...
Jun 19, 2017
SJWit
Colagrl yes, my nuke told me Sunday that there are two busses to the airport for GC, one at 2am and one at 4am. But he also said it was mentioned that they may be flying out on Sunday instead of Saturday, and that they hadn't gotten their flight information yet. We will have to wait until Friday to find out.
Jun 19, 2017
JayDee659
Jun 19, 2017
SailorsLIMom
Ok, good to know, so maybe we won't cancel our reservations for Sat night until we know more. I had no idea that some might even stay until Sunday. Daughter said she would get her orders today (she thought), but we won't know them until PIR when she will go to GC.
Jun 19, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Here's a link to stories of the sailors who were killed:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/stories-of-sailors-killed-in-dest...
Jun 19, 2017
AZ2OH2IL2UT
NancyJo (CVN70)- Thank you for your words. I want to be strong and I am such a communicator. I am emotional and wear my emotions on my sleeve. I hope my son communicates more. I am thankful he in stateside for awhile while in A school. I know he is starting his own life and needs to grow and learn the Navy way. My hubby was in the Navy and I remember what deployments were like. My sister retired from the Navy as well, so I am somewhat familiar with how the Navy operates (regarding schedules and timelines). It is much different though this time around with my son. UGH! I know I will get stronger, just like I did through the boot camp process. I will seek guidance from many of you who are going through this as well. Hugs and thank you for all your support. PIR was a wonderful experience. Very emotional and proud moment.
Colagrl- We found out his flight info at his PIR. I was devastated that he would be leaving so early. They actually left GL around 1:30 AM and we met him at the USO at O'Hare at 2AM. There were a lot of sailors who were bused there, but many were going to other destinations. We stayed until 6AM and saw other sailors who were still there. Best of luck with your sailor. I wish you all the comfort and love. These groups are awesome to help provide information and answer any questions we have. I am still in Chicago now, since we just moved from here last fall. It is hard to still be here. I stayed at the Navy Lodge until Sunday and that was hard to be so close to the base and know my son was no longer there. I am staying with some friends until tomorrow when I head back home.
Jun 19, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jun 19, 2017
Alison
I asked my son what he thought the Fitzgerald sailors would most need and he said, "I don't know anything about those surface guys, but try phone chargers and dip." No dip from me(!), but I found a couple of multi phone chargers and even some waterproof playing cards - just fits in a large APO flat rate with multi-pack undershirts, underwear, socks,travel deodorant, soaps, razors, toothbrushes, gold bond powder, and jolly ranchers - amazed at how much fits, but sad thinking of all their things missing
I talked with my daughter who is in Spain right now and she said there was no news reported of this incident, but then asked if there were any women on board. Do we know if there are any women on this ship? I feel bad for implicitly assuming and then sending only male clothing and toiletries
Jun 19, 2017
joshsmom
AZ2OH2IL2UT I to thought it would be easier once my son was at GC. I was having a hard time at first too. I jokingly asked him his first day his class started if he wanted me to give him a wake up call. To my surprise he said if he didn't text me at a certain time to call him. So now every morning I get an I'm up text. I text him back to have a good day and I love him. He sends me one back that he loves me too. It makes me smile every morning.
He usually gives me a quick call, 1 or 2 minutes after class or study hours. He just took his final exam and will graduate A school this Friday. I can't wait to see him and he will come home with us for 10 days.
Hang in there it slowly gets better.
Jun 19, 2017
ProudOfK
When following the comments today I knew I just had to jump in tonight - especially reading some of the posts from Colagrl and AZ2OH2IL2UT.
First, yes - when our son graduated boot camp in April they went to the airport very early - left base at 2:30 am but my sons flight wasn't scheduled to leave until 7:30 pm and actually left late at about 8:45 pm. Chicago airport is definitely not the airport I would choose to spend this many hours in. So while it was nice to have that many hours with our sailor it was a bit stressful too because it was at the airport and we were all very tired - especially my son.
Then AZ2OH2IL2UT I must tell you that for me the worst week that I've had since my son left home was his first week or so at GC. And it was really all me but I found that when he was at BC I knew they could only write once a week and almost never got to call so that is what I expected and that is what I got. However when my son got the GC I knew he had is phone and was not in actual class the first 2 weeks (although he was in briefings most of the day and they were classing up) my expectation was that at least for that first couple weeks that we'd talk to him every day. That did not happen. We talked to him just once or twice that first week and since then have talked or skyped once most weekends. We do text some everyday - even if sometimes it's a 'Yup' late in the day when I text 'Are you still alive'.
But I'm very happy and content now and my son seems very happy and content. I learned a couple of things - just because he was out of his briefing for the day didn't mean he didn't have things to do - run errands to stalk up on supplies, laundry, keeping his room clean, getting on the internet to get his banking, insurance etc. set up, learn where things are, etc., etc. And actually relax and have some down time. So once I convinced that it wasn't that he didn't love me anymore I've been fine. But I have to admit that one week I really did feel like I'd been abandoned by my son. But all is now well and really is doing great and we have plans to go visit him late in August - yes right when it's hot and muggy and the middle of hurricane season. But I don't care what the weather is if I get to see my son.
So, yes I think it's true - we do get stronger.
Jun 19, 2017
M'smom
Jun 19, 2017
ProudOfK
Colagrl - did your son score really high on the ASVAB? From our experience and postings I've read it seems that they put the nukes with the highest ASVAB scores as ET. It may partially depend on which parts were really high if everything wasn't high. But I've definitely heard of someone wanting ET but getting EM or MM and also of people wanting MM or EM but getting ET. Kind of makes me wonder if the choice part is just an illusion. :) My son was lucky though as he did get what he wanted.
Jun 20, 2017
AZ2OH2IL2UT
ProudOfK- It's like you read my mind. I swear I totally feel the same way you described yourself when your son first arrived to GC. I sent my son a text earlier this evening and...CRICKETS!!! UGH! I will take your advice to heart. Thank you for sharing your experience with me. It helps knowing that maybe my son isn't abandoning me as he starts this new journey.
Jun 20, 2017
AZ2OH2IL2UT
Colagrl-My son said he wanted to do either ET or EM. He said he got EM. I think there are different factors that determine what they get. What the Navy needs and test scores are the biggest factors. I have heard from a mom who's son scored the highest on the ASVAB and he ended up getting MM. I am not sure if that is what his choice was though.
Jun 20, 2017
JayDee659
Jun 20, 2017
SailorsLIMom
Great info, thanks! Wow your boys did so well! Our daughter scored 92 on ASVAB, and wanted to be an EM when she went in. We don't know what might have changed since then, I forgot to ask and maybe she doesn't know yet anyway. But we will know REAL soon now!
Jun 20, 2017
soccermom19
Hi, so I'm wondering about the ratings. When you say, MMs are mechanics, EMs are electricians, and ETs work on electronics, I'm not sure I understand what that means in terms of jobs. I guess MMs fix. What do EMs and ETs do? And how competitive is this? Does anyone know what the seaman to admiral program is. I heard my son mention that was a program he wanted. How does that affect ratings. I'm so confused
Jun 20, 2017
WearsLargeHats
Jun 20, 2017
soccermom19
Sorting Hat. Love it!!!
Jun 20, 2017
NickSydmom
Jun 20, 2017
Besties4dogs (NukeMM)
My son scored extremely high on the ASVAB and is now a MM. He actually was very happy about it after the fact. It meaned less time in school before heading to the fleet. He is now based out of Yokosuka, Japan and loves the country!
Jun 20, 2017
JayDee659
Ladies, you may also find that your sailor's thinking changes while they're in the program. My daughter went from being all about the Academy to enlisting. She thought she was interested in ELT but when it was offered she politely declined. At this time she says that she wants to wait before looking into STA-21 as she wants some good hands on experience under her belt first. Tomorrow she might have changed her thinking. You just have to hang in there, let them learn and go with the flow.
Jun 20, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
My son wanted MM and got MM. He wanted more "hands on" is how he put it. And now that's he's in college he's doing Mechanical Engineering because it's more hands on. His girlfriend was an MM ELT. At the end of the day though it's the needs of the Navy.
soccermom19 - I have posted info regarding the STA-21 Program on the right side of our page - under the member profiles. One of the links takes you to the STA-21 group on here where I'm sure they would be happy to give you more info! It's a great program for an enlisted sailor to become an officer.
Jun 20, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Jun 20, 2017
NancyJo (NNPTC)
I think it's important to understand that you can't trust everything a recruiter says. They have quotas and get bonuses and consequently will often say that things that may not be entirely accurate. That's not to say there aren't recruiters who really try to do the right thing but the reality exists.
To be a nuke you have to smart and for our children to be here they had to get the scores. And it's important to do the best they can in school because it will follow into the fleet. But everything is "needs of the navy." My son has been lucky. He got the rate he wanted, got ELT, got Staff, then got the ship he wanted. I don't know that very many get that. Many, many say they didn't get the rate, or the ship, or whatever, they wanted. But I think it's true too that the navy tries to fit the sailor to the job.
Also, subs are all volunteer. You may volunteer sub and get surface (needs of the navy) but you will never want surface and get sub.
Jun 20, 2017
NancyJo (NNPTC)
Tom, modest too I see. ;^)
Jun 20, 2017
soccermom19
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MM - Thank you for the info
When I asked my son about what he trying to get into, he said he wants to work with computers. I don't see that. He is supposed to go to nuke A school after BC. But I don't know. He was interested in becoming an officer as well.
Everything is so confusing because my son is still of the opinion that he understands better because he spoke with the recruiter rather than just some moms (not my words!!!). I tend to think that recruiters do whatever they can and say anything they can to get you in.
Thanks everyone for all the info. This site sure is great.
Jun 20, 2017
JayDee659
B'sNukeMom, my daughter wanted MM for the same reason as your son! She thought she really wanted ELT then for her own reasons turned it down. I'm just glad she's doing what she wants. She was very pleased with the ship that they assigned her to.
Oh, and she has her orders. This mom is somewhere between super excited for her and about to throw up.
Tom, you may be right, but my daughter thinks her MM husband is the best looking :)
Jun 20, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Haha Tom - I think the MM's are the most handsome ;p (Good to see you back!)
NancyJo is right - it doesn't usually work out like that where they get everything they wish for. The key is for your sailor to be flexible....my son had VA at the bottom of his list - he wanted West Coast but it didn't work out that way. He was happy that his best friend and roommate also got VA (and that wasn't what the BF wanted either) but they were able to continue to room together and they still share a house today. And as much as B didn't like VA he chose to stay there to go to college - go figure!
Jun 20, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
soccermom19 - all Nukes go through 3 schools. A school, Power school and Prototype. The entire process will take about 2 years (give or take). Both A school and Power school are in Goose Creek, SC. Prototype can be in either GC or in Ballston Spa, NY.
Jun 20, 2017
WearsLargeHats
ETN is kind of an odd thing, unlike the conventional ET. Their primary role is as Reactor Operators, and only ETs stand that watch. They also do the regular Electronics Tech work on the reactor control systems. The EMs control and maintain the electrical plant. Manning the steam turbine throttles is, I believe, usually done by an EM. MMs are responsible for the plumbing and machinery, with MM-ELTs handling reactor chemistry and radiation monitoring.
Jun 20, 2017
NancyJo (NNPTC)
LOL soccermom, I think all our sailors see us as cackling hens (N4Ms dads excepted) sharing sketchy info, not really knowing anything. At first anyway. Eventually most of them realize that we're not as dumb as they thought. We were smart enough to raise them so we must have something going on. My son and I actually have intelligent conversations about his work sometimes. Amazing how smart I got in just a few years.
Jun 20, 2017
LuvCat
I haven't read all the comments yet but wanted to jump in about the EM vs. ET positions. Our son scored extremely high on the AS... (sorry, he didn't get his smarts from me :-) )and was assigned EM. I heard, maybe from him, that you get assigned based on what the Navy needs, not your request. There are more EM and MM positions than there are ET positions.
Jun 20, 2017
LuvCat
Wow! Most of your comments about the lack of contact w/ your sailor after boot camp fits my son to a tee! Maybe that's a common denominator with Nukes... I do concur that as I lowered my expectations to hear from him, it is better for me, at least!
Jun 20, 2017
Cejota
Jun 20, 2017
lisacon
My heart goes out to the families of our lost sailors. Just happy everyone was found.
My sailor seen the orthopedist he will not at this time need surgery on his foot. GREAT NEWS They released him back to P.T. (but ask where were his tennis shoe from boot camp were?) he told them he had thrown them away as soon as he got here.
Jun 20, 2017
PacNWmom
soccermom19 - My son is in the STA-21 program. He's an ETN He (like virtually all Nukes) scored very high on the ASVAB, then did very well, academically and otherwise, during the pipeline. He applied for STA-21 while in the pipeline. Applications were due in June, but they don't find out until Nov. He left in Feb. for 8 weeks at NSI, and is now attending college for 3 years. Then it's back to GC to go through the pipeline again as an officer.
So far he's very happy with his decision. As the mama, I'm glad he'll be on dry land for at least the next 4 years. Hope this helps!
I'm heartbroken about the 7 lost sailors. I've had to shield myself a bit from the reports, as I get too upset and anxious. My heart goes out to their families, and to their "Navy family". <sob>
Jun 20, 2017