NUKE moms

A place to come for support and guidance for anyone with a loved one in the nuke program ⚓️.

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  • Chipmunk

    Good evening, my Navy Mom family. I have been gone all day on a field trip with my youngest, then to his Taekwondo practice, so I missed chiming in when several of the comments were made today.

    Thank you moms for sharing today and for asking for prayers for your sailors. They have all been on my heart from the moment that I heard about the situation, and now I can add extra names (or at least Mom names) to my prayers for the young sailor and the family.

    And hugs as well for those that were not able to be at A school graduation today. I am going to have to add it to my radar along with PIR graduation.

  • Buzzbeck

    Praying for all the young men and women in the nuke pipeline.

    I missed the A School graduation 2 years ago. The date was changed the prior week. *sigh*
  • Green2Blue

    In talking through the rigors of the program, we had the opportunity to talk with a recruiter when our son was in DEP.  He was a nuke.  I asked him how many kids had been in his class and how many actually made it through.  He said he started with 24 and ended up with only 4 that graduated.  I was a little shocked at that attrition rate.  I asked him why so many failed.  He said most failures were from disciplinary issues and distractions.  He said the top three were girlfriends, underage drinking and related, and video gaming.  My son spoke with another Nuke liaison that said academic failures are only about 4%.  Again, saying most were failures for other reasons as above.  

    My question is to other nuke moms and sailors.  Is the attrition rate really that high?  Do that many kids really just leave that program because of issues other than academics.  What has been your experience and what do you think is the best advice you could give to help support our sailors just starting this pipeline.  

  • JayDee659

    Green2Blue, yes it can be that high. Of the 36 or so that my daughter started with only 12 finished. It's a difficult path and she noted that some just wanted out so they slacked on purpose or told their instructors they were depressed. My daughter has said that you have to really want it in order to make it. She got married during Power School but they were both focused so they both made it all the way. Yes, she had our full support, no matter what, but in the end she determined her own success.
  • Northern Irish

    Thank you Green2Blue and JayDee659 for this post. I knew it was hard and have been told repeatedly that it is hard but never knew just how hard it is. Yes, besides support by family whatever any tidbits someone has to help their Nuke achieve success would be great. Ultimately i know it is up to our sailors but. . .as a family member i want to make sure i dont impede it.
  • 3B'smom

    Green2Blue, I agree that desire to be there plays a big part. My nuke wants to be there. In fact, he said that he would not enlist if he could not get into the nuke program. He went into it eyes wide open (at least as much as one can in that situation). He was lucky to have a recruiter that was upfront about what to expect in BC and the rigors of the nuke program. He has been out of school for a couple of years. He said the majority of his A school class graduated high school this year, and almost all of them were told they would be a nuke. Very few knew what they were really getting into.
    The recruiter did tell him that 40% of those that start A school with him will not make it for one reason or another.
  • SailorsLIMom

    Our nuke loves everything about A school but does find he academics challenging.  We talk to her often, send support, send family pictures (esp of the dog!), and I even made two morale-boosting visits to GC.  She knows of people who have "faked" failing or being depressed, as well as Sailors who genuinely had these issues.  The pride of being in this program is a great reinforcer, but I think it can also contribute to the pressure.

  • CO-TwinSalorsMom

    My son did very well in the pipeline. A lot of that had to do with my ex telling him he would never succeed. Made him try harder. Yes that attitude is a reason he is an ex. My son discovered in BC that he was a good runner and would go running when he felt stressed. 

  • CO-TwinSalorsMom

    Buzzbeck, Much to my ease of mind, my son who was looking off grid, fell in love with a small town and ended up buying a house in town. He has had lots of fun fixing it up. Has re-insulated the whole thing, re-panneled it in a light pine. painted the whole outside, removed a HUGE root ball of a fallen tree, cleared some of the other trees too close to the house. He now is starting on redoing the kitchen and the flooring. So far he had a month on a commercial salmon boat and this month is working construction. 

  • Chipmunk

    Green2Blue, I can't comment on the attrition rate, as my son is just over a month into A school. What I did find interesting on the comments that the class sizes seemed to have been smaller than they are now. I am fairly certain that my son told me that each class is made up of 62 sailors, half are MMs the other half are a mixture of EMs and ETs. Maybe someone can verify for me.

    I need to add this to my post above, but my son was telling me last night - "Be sure to tell them, to study hard and to make sure they get ahead of their studies. Especially BE3. And don't skip any questions, even if you only get the process started, leaving a question blank on a test isn't good." But one of the other things he said was "Encouraging them to do some sort of exercise, either in the morning before they shower or at night. Work on your sit ups and pushups every day and your forms (doing them properly), so that when you get to PRT you are able to pass and phase up."

    I mention that because it reiterates the time management and exercise mentioned. But they also have to plan for the unexpected, such as intending to get their laundry done early and then have a bicycle tire go flat on them (when the bicycle is less than a month old!!) Not sure how much that interrupted his day today, before he could start studying, but it happened.

     

  • Buzzbeck

    Our sailor told me that as far as he knows, of the 26 that he was with in A School, 6 did not make it. Only one was because of academics. He said that the reward at the end was worth the sacrifices made along the way. JayDee's nukette once said she avoided groups that were negative, because that attitude was contagious. Our sailor saw that happen also.

    CO-Twin: That's great news about the house! It sounds like he is enjoying his new community. Commercial fishing is such hard work...Only for the young.
  • JayDee659

    Buzzbeck good memory! Yes, she did say that the negative sailors rubbed off on others.

    If course the pipeline is the beginning of the challenge. There are challenges all along the way along with positive and negative influences. Tell your sailors to keep strong!
  • Green2Blue

    Thanks for all the comments.  It is helpful!  I think the advice about staying with the positive vs. the negative can go a long way, too.  I will mention that to him when we talk.

    Chipmunk-my son has always been a notorious procrastinator.  He wanted to go into the Navy because he wanted the discipline to help him.  Hopefully he will be able to carry those BC skills forward.

  • CO-TwinSalorsMom

    My son told me that he needed the challenge. He did not get very good grades in high school, because he was bored. He was also a procrastinator. The nuke program was the best thing he could do. He enjoyed the challenge. His words to me, "I am being challenged for the first time in my life and I love it."

    He really grew up in a good way. He takes responsibility much more seriously. At the same time he is very caring of others. He always thinks now of how what he does or decisions he makes effects his boat mates. 

  • Will'sMom1998

    Hi Everyone!  My son just graduated Boot Camp on November 3rd and headed to Goose Creek on the 4th.  He says his classes do not begin until the 15th so he has a few days to settle in before the real fun begins.  Any advice on things he needs, needs to know, etc.  Thanks!!!

  • Chipmunk

     Will'sMom1998 - Welcome to our group!! What rating is your son? MM, EM or ET? A mom whose sailor is still at GC with a similar rating, might reach out and take you under her wing.

    As for advice, there are pages posted to the right here with information on them, that is very helpful to read through, and then I started a discussion above - A school schedule from a sailor's perspective, that will be informative. Also, there are a few comments that were posted over the weekend you might find informative on things your sailor needs to be focusing on.

    As for things he needs - Most items they can purchase in the mini Nex, but if he doesn't have a laptop or a smartphone - now would be the time for him to look into getting those items purchased, when the school demands aren't as high, those aren't needed for classes, but personal use, my son had to have a specific calculator that they bought there. Also, I would ask him what he wants specifically and see if it is something you can order or need to send to him. They still do not have a lot of room, so extra just gets in the way. For ex. I sent my son a blanket with some warmer clothes the other day and later he informed me he had plenty of blankets, but he is looking forward to the razors I sent, because the ones at the NEX don't do nearly as good of a job as the kind he used at home. - They may have their tennis shoes, but have to wait on civilian clothes until they "phase up" (pass requirements).

  • bigsky21

    Reading through the comments this morning from the past few days I see all of my own fears, and my hopes too! CO-TwinSalorsMom, your son sounds exactly like mine..."bored" +"procrastinator"=not so great grades in high school. He frustrated not only me but his teachers as well - they would all tell me how bright he was but not applying himself. He told me he was bored. He has the "life skills" class this week, and next week the real fun starts! I feel that the challenge and structure of this program is exactly what he needs but only time will tell. 

    Will'sMom, like Chipmunk said, they don't have much extra space - the three things my son asked for were his razor, his tennis shoes and his laptop. I'm sure once he can wear civilian clothes he will want a couple things from home, but right now he can't wear them so why take up the space....I did send him a box of snacks with some homemade cookies, hopefully he shared :) I also stuck his Kindle in the box - he didn't ask for it, but he's an avid reader and I didn't think he'd have much room for extra books. He called and thanked me for thinking of it :)

  • Chipmunk

     bigsky21 - My son wanted his Kindle as well. My problem was finding where we had stashed it after bringing it home from MEPS!! (I had a busy summer!) - Maybe our sons can get together, I almost wish they had something like this at GC where they could find other sailors with common interest. My son really enjoys talking about the books he reads and sharing new authors with others. He wanted to upgrade to a smartphone, partially so he could listen to books while running, something both of my boys did commonly with the PlayAways from the public library.

    As for bored - my husband never allowed that word in our house, so if my children were having difficulty occupying themselves, I had to help them find something. Learning to read was our big combat to boredom, but my son did say he appreciates the focused time they have at the Rickover for studying, without other distractions. Not allowing boredom also meant allowing lots of time to explore and research their own ideas, and that can lead to procrastinating their required school work! Studying ahead is my son's hugest recommendation so far for all incoming students. I hope his test goes well today!

  • Chipmunk

    Upcoming PIR - Karen, I think you have a PIR this weekend. Anyone else?  - I hope you are able to be there, safe travels for all. I just figured out yesterday that they also have pictures of the PIR on FB. I was excited to find a couple with my son.

    New Moms please chime in an let us know how things are going at BC and when your PIR is, and your recruit's rating if you know it. Have a great Tuesday!

  • bigsky21

    Chipmunk, I think my son would enjoy a book discussion group...I wonder if they have anything like that already?

    I've passed along to my son several of the suggestions from other moms in this group - study ahead being one of them. I think having a set study time is going to be helpful!

    Good luck to your son on his test!

  • JayDee659

    Ladies, I've not seen this mentioned, but they have a band at GC and it's an excellent opportunity to meet lots of folks, students and instructors alike.  My daughter played in the band when she was there and enjoyed it very much.

  • Mammagoose

    Hi all, my son is in week 3 of boot camp and as such (as far as I know) is just a plain ol nuke. His division doesn't seem to have many nukes in it. At least from the fb group and the one here....
  • NNLori

    I think it’s not until about week 4 or 5 or actual training that they give them their rate. Either ET, EM, or MM.
  • Chipmunk

     Mammagoose, I confer with NNLori, it may still be a couple of weeks when your SR receives his rating. When he does let us know. - When is your PIR?

    JayDee659 - Thanks for mentioning about the band. My son is not the band geek in the family (#1 & #5 are). But I am sure others are glad to know.

     bigsky21 - The book discussions would have to be fairly informal, mostly because they don't have much time to read once they class up, but I am sure they would still enjoy conversing over what they have read. - Thanks for thinking of my son. He said this one is a "beast" so far.  

  • Mammagoose

    His graduation is 12/15.
  • AngelsBreath

    Hello everyone, I am back. My son's PIR was fantastic. He is now in A school and I love it.

     

  • Karen

    I just got the "I'm a sailor" call...so excited and can't wait until Thursday. He told me he is flying out Friday for GC. 

  • AngelsBreath

    Karen Congrats!!!

  • MoMom

    Congratulations, Karen and AngelsBreath! So exciting!

    I know the talk of suicide attempts is very frightening. I just wanted to let you all know that my son visited the young man in the hospital Saturday. He is doing well. So thankful!
  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Hi all - Happy Tuesday!  I'm trying to get ready to leave for Ohio this week so haven't had much time to check things out on here.  I've been watching the weather in Cleveland and it's going to be cold!  I'm so not looking forward to that.  We are also planning on visiting the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Football Hall of Fame while we are there so that should be fun.

    BZ to everyone whose sailors had PIR!  I hope you were able to make it to PIR and were able to get lots of hugs! 

    MoMom - I am so happy to hear that the young man is doing better.  That is fantastic news. 

    Karen - the "I'm a Sailor" call is one of the best!

  • JayDee659

    B'sNukeMom enjoy a refreshing beer and delicious lunch at the Winking Lizard after you finish at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They have 200 beers or so.
  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Welcome to our newest member ~ Ethansmom.

    Please tell us a little about yourself.

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    JayDee - I will definitely put that on my list.  Everyone in our group likes beer (but me, lol!).  

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    I added Chipmunks discussion of Nuke A school daily schedule - sailor's perspective to the permanent pages on the right.  You'll see there are 11 now.  Only problem is that only 10 pages display at a time - you have to hit "view all" to see that discussion.  I'm going to try to re-arrange them so that discussion shows up on the main page.....

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    OK - I moved the OPSEC page down so now the Nuke A school info shows up on the main page....

  • AngelsBreath

    Thank you MoMom. We had a blast. Now I can talk to him more frequently. I'm home and and work is frustrating especially trying to catch up. Hope everyone had a good weekend. Congrats to all the new sailors.
  • Chipmunk

     Karen - Congratulations on your "I'm a sailor" call.

     MoMom - Thank you for sharing the good news of the young sailor's recovery.

    Ethansmom - welcome aboard. Yes please share with us where you are at in your Navy journey. Do you have a PIR date yet?

    B'sNukeMoM⚓️MM - Safe travels to OHIO. Thanks for posting the "A School schedule" under our permanent pages. I will continue to add information in the discussion above. As I have more updates to share.

    Mammagoose - one of my friends also has PIR 12/15 - I am encouraging her to join our group as well.

    Tomorrow my husband and I celebrate our 31st wedding anniversary. We lead small groups with our youth, so not sure when / where we will celebrate but looking forward to him having Friday off. - Per my son, he believes that Friday is a liberty day for them as well at GC. Hoping to figure out with him, his plane tickets home at Christmas.

  • Erin

    Chipmunk I️ just booked my daughters flight home for Christmas. I️ am so excited. My daughters chief told her to use Kayak to book the flight and it was a great deal!!! How long are is your son in the Nuke program?
  • Chipmunk

     Erin - That is great!! I wonder if our female sailors are gathering more details for their moms than our sons are. My son's PIR was 8/25 - but he was INDOC for awhile, plus Hurricane Irma caused extra liberty, so he classed up 9/20 - with actual lessons starting 10/2 - so this starts his 6th week of lessons. So he is still in A school. I will have to look at Kayak. Thanks!

  • Chipmunk

     Erin - I posted a msg on your comment wall re: Christmas leave.

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Hi all - Happy Wednesday!

    Happy Anniversary to you and your husband Chipmunk!  Hopefully you'll be able to do something special on Friday ;D

    Patti - I'm packing all sorts of warm things - I probably won't be able to lift my suitcase lol!

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    I saw a post on FB that Sarge was involved in a motor vehicle accident this morning in his cab - the update is that he was being taken to the hospital but he hopes to be released in time for tonight's meet & greet.  Please say a prayer for him for a speedy recovery! 

  • JayDee659

    Oh, no!  Hoping for the best for Sarge!  Please let us know if you see any updates.

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    We have a new member - Tammy - who is asking if you need your invitation to get into graduation at Goose Creek.  I know when we went for my sons we did NOT need them - didn't need it for any of them.  Any of you who have been to graduations more recently know if they are requiring you to show the invite or is your name still just on a list?

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    And welcome to the groupTammy!

  • NNLori

    Happy Anniversary Chipmunk!! Hope you have a great celebration! 

    Wow that's really scary about Sarge!! I hope he is ok! He is such a wonderful caring person. All he does for our Navy families, it's just incredible. 

    Erin, I'd be curious about how your daughter was able to make Christmas leave plan already. My son is in INDOC but he says he will not know anything about Christmas until he classes up. It's hard waiting. The longer we wait the more expensive the flights will be. Makes me a little crazy!

    Have a great Wednesday everyone. 

  • Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke

    Colagrl - As I would ask of any Mom leaving because of de-rating or re-rating, please stay on with us.  We'll have plenty of people following in your footsteps who would love having knowledge of the process and how it all ended with new beginnings.  Which we all hope the new beginning is perfect for each and every one.  Best Wishes!!!

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Colagirl - wishing your son the best in his re-rate.  I believe things will work out and he will find much happiness and success in his new rate. Everything does happen for a reason. And like Tx Mom of Far Away Nuke said, please stay with us.....you can provide support for others going through the same thing.

  • Chipmunk

     Colagrl - I concur with the others, please stay a part of our group to share your Navy journey. And yes, we wish your son the very best in his new adventure. As for a new group, if you put some activity into the group, hopefully they will respond, even if they have been a little dormant.

    Thanks for all of the Anniversary blessings.

    Prayers for Sarge, hopeful for a good report. Well the bugles are blowing at the Base and that means time to head to church for dinner and small groups.

  • B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)

    Hey everyone - I'm out - off to Cleveland early tomorrow.  I'll be checking in to see what's happening here but it's hard for me to reply from my phone....you all behave!