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

[TahoeZephyr]

Quick update - after a 2 month hiatus in DTP, our son got orders today to head to GL for A School next Wednesday :)  Re-rating as a Gunners Mate!

[TahoeZephyr]

Thought I would check in with an update on "life after DTP"...our son got his orders to report to Great Lakes for GM A school by the end of March.  He arrived safe and sound, had about 10 days to "regroup" and classed up this week for ATT (Apprentice Technical Training, I think); this will be a 4 week school before A School starts.  The best thing is he called today to say he got 100% on his first exam, best in his class, and sounded very motivated to go for 4 perfect scores in a row!  I think this was a good boost for his confidence after feeling a bit defeated with the Nuke pipeline.  He's still trying to get his Phase 3 privledges back, so a bit frustrated that he is sort of restricted to base right now, but it's probably a plus as he won't be out and about spending money he doesn't have :)  

[B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)]

TahoeZephyr - Yay!  Glad things are (finally) moving forward.  Best of luck to him in this next adventure - I'm sure he'll do great!  And of course, feel free to stick around and help others {{NMH}}

[TahoeZephyr]

Update - so, DTP is officially behind our sailor!  Thank goodness!  He left on Wednesday for Great Lakes and reported this morning.  Kept my fingers crossed that his drive would be safe, and he arrived without incident :)  Not sure how long it will take before he classes up, but he seems in good spirits as he has connected with a fellow sailor who was in NJROTC with him in high school.  She gave him the low down on life in GL.

I thought I would throw in a few comments regarding the pro's and con's of his 2 month hiatus in DTP.  Mostly con's, I guess...definitely not enough work to keep those sailors busy!  Our son had WAY too much free time on his hands...managed to get a tattoo AND a car!!  Seems to be living paycheck to paycheck at the moment as most meals have been off base, by choice...again, too much free time :(

[Chipmunk]

TahoeZephyr - thanks for sharing the update. I am curious though, I saw you said he drove to GL, and then I realized he had purchased a car. So, now I assume he had to drive the car to GL. But I was wondering, if someone didn't have a car yet at GC and were rerated and transferred, do you know, would they have to supply their own transportation?

Glad to hear your son arrived safe in GL and getting settled there!

Happy Easter

[TahoeZephyr]

Chipmunk - If our son did not have a vehicle he would have had arrangements for a commercial airline flight back to GL.  Since he had his own vehicle, he did get a mileage allowance (.89 per mile) and a stipend for hotel stays, allowable for 3 days to travel.  Theoretically, he made money on the trip! He checked in early on Friday (realizing that Boot Camp PIR would be bogging down the roads in the area) and quickly connected with a fellow sailor from NJROTC who gave him the "low down" on life in GL.  He is housed in a 4 person BEQ.  Currently his 2 roommates are re-rates from the SEAL program and will class up with him on 4/10/18.  Thankfully, not a long wait!  He says he can see Lake Michigan from the base :)

[Chipmunk]

TahoeZephyr - Thanks for clarifying how the travel works, that is good to know. I am sure it will be helpful to someone else as well. Your son was wise to anticipate the busy traffic on Friday morning. I know he is eager to begin his new classes. I hope his roommates all get along well. They have something in common having been rerated, so hopefully that will help as they acclimate with their new class.

I wish all the best for him. I still really appreciate the snow picture he sent to you for sharing. It gave me a sense of what was going on in GC, and made my youngest very envious of his brother who had snow to play in and he did not. Keep in touch and thanks again for taking time to share your sons DTP journey.

[B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)]

Glad he made it safe and sound!  And even better that he connected with someone he knows!  So glad to hear that things are moving forward in a positive manner.

[B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)]

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[Chipmunk]

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[Chipmunk]

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[Northwoodsmom]

My son joined the Navy in January 2020 and was encouraged to become a ET. He headed to Goose Creek and went through A School pretty easily with alot of study time. He graduated A School in September 2020 but once he started Power School he struggled. He was held back, moved into another school concentrating on math, he finished up there and then started a new Power School class. He was doing over 20 hours of mandatory study time and just couldn't get the concepts. Two months before graduation of Power School he was removed from the program. The Navy did everything they could to help my son make it through the program but he just didn't have the math knowledge to finish.  They moved him to DTP in October 2021 and remained there until he was given a choice of 5 different rates, he choose Aviation Electronic Technician. He left DTP in February 2022 and graduated C School in Lemoore CA in February 2023. He is now at his duty station doing his new rate.

What I understand from him is if you graduated A School and go further in Power School you will get a better 5 choices because of the education the Navy provided for you. They also consider your work ethic and your additude. They really know if you are trying and will help you succeed. That being said not everyone who goes in the Nuke program is cut out for the program. Recruiters push them into the program because of their scores. I am happy my son got the chance at it but I now see how much happier and how AT is a better fit for him. He just wants to serve his country whatever capacity he can. I hope this helps someone else that is going through this. Remember your Sailor might feel like a failure or they let you down so they really need your extra support at this time.