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

[DSmom]

TahoeZephyr -- How is your son doing? Has he heard about his re-rate plans?

[TahoeZephyr]

DSmom - Thank you for asking :)  Our son is doing fine, sounding very relaxed, basically in a bit of a holding pattern.  His supervising officer asked him to submit 5 re-rate choices about a week and a half ago, but that doesn't mean he will get one of those 5 choices.  Certainly any of these sailors who don't make it through the nuke pipeline have high enough ASVAB scores to qualify for most of the rating options, but as we all know, it will likely be what the Navy needs.  So, for the moment, he waits.  

The DTP schedule is certainly more relaxed than Nuke A school, but there is still a daily structure with mustering multiple times (even when not on a duty day, which comes every 4th day).  There is a 3x/wk PT schedule with 5K run once a week.  Duty days involve "cleaning" (can't seem to get more detail from him on that).  He's making it to the mess hall for lunch and dinner via the duty van, and seems to be getting on well with his mates. 

Last Sunday was his 20th birthday and when we called he was down in Charleston with a few buddies, having been to the Aquarium, then headed to the beach.   There is a pool table in the game room, which helps pass the time; also an outdoor basketball court. And the wifi seems to adequate for intermittent online gaming.

We are just keeping our fingers crossed that he gets a decent re-rate...something that will be engaging and the 'just right' challenge for him :)

[TahoeZephyr]

Quick update on DTP life...talked to my son yesterday and he says his duty days may shift a bit as 30 sailors are shipping out to their next A School assignment this coming week.  This is the beginning of his 4th week at DTP so we are hoping he will hear some news on a re-rate soon.

[momterp]

Thank you for keeping us posted—this is a big lesson in patience, isn’t it? I’m hopeful it will all be for the better for your son in the long run. Navy life is sure different than civilian life!

[TahoeZephyr]

momterp - yes, I know our son will be fine.  I'm sure it's better for him to get a re-rate sooner rather than later during the nuke training process.  We have been able to talk with him more frequently and he sounds relaxed the positive :)

[B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)]

Glad to hear he sounds relaxed and positive!  Makes your momma heart feel good I'm sure :)

[TahoeZephyr]

Another quick update from DTP:  nearing the end of week #4 - our son was presented with a list of 5 rates that are "available" and was told to indicate his top 2 choices.  Now, back to waiting...

[B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)]

Ah the infamous hurry up & wait!

[TahoeZephyr]

And yet, within a week he is notified that he will be headed back to Great Lakes for A School:  Gunner's Mate!  I think this will resonate with him :) (and now, we wait again for the actual move date...)

[WearsLargeHats]

Lots of hands-on with that, likely including opportunities to shoot stuff or blow stuff up. That is almost always a positive with guys, though I can't explain why, even to my wife. Especially to my wife.

GMs can be stationed about anywhere on about any sort of vessel, other than submarines. He should have a good chance of seeing the world, most of which is ocean.

[angelag]

That's great news!  My son has been there about 2 weeks.  He's definitely relaxed since the hard work of Nuke school, in fact, he's pretty board.  It seems that there are a lot of people waiting  Rumors make it sound like he could be there from 6 months to a year.  I'm glad your son has gotten a job that sounds interesting to him.

[TahoeZephyr]

WearsLargeHats - yes, I am sure the hands-on stuff will be a bit hit with him!  He's definitely not interested in sub duty...wants to "see the sky now and again" :)

angelag - it truly is hard to get a real gauge on the "average" amount of time these sailors spend in DTP, but after peppering my son with detailed questions about who seems to be coming and going, it appears to be along the order of 2-4 months.  Tomorrow will be the end of week 5 for our son.  And, YES, definitely not enough to keep their active minds busy there!  While waiting for a list of rate options, we encouraged him to study all of the rates he may qualify for (which is most, given the high ASVAB scores these sailors achieved to get into the Nuke program in the first place).  Here is a nice link: 

www.thebalance.com/navy-enlisted-rating-job-descriptions. 

Obviously some are out (like Corpman), but going in to a meeting with a supervising officer being able to sound somewhat knowledgable and interested in a few particular ratings may have a beneficial impact.  Again, it also seems to be somewhat of a roll of the dice, depending on what the Navy needs at the time :)