NUPOC Program

[Sierrascrapper (ETN2)]

After my son got back from MEPS this week, he told me that he enjoyed chatting with the recruiter about enlisted life on the long drive back home.  He told me the conversation made him even more excited about joining the Navy.  He then told me that our local recruiter (he went to MEPS with a recruiter from a neighboring town) is really encouraging him to go in as an officer instead of enlisted.  Of course that means college first.  I've read about the NUPOC program and it seems like a great way for college students to get into the Navy and finish college and start their career as an officer.  So, now my son is having a hard time making a decision about which path he wants to take in the Navy.  We really need to talk more to the recruiter about the program.  Are there any Nuke moms on here whose son or daughter went the NUPOC route and can give some advice?  It almost seems like this option is more for students who have started college already, instead of kids who are deciding to join the Navy before they start college.  

[Frances5901]

Sorry for the late reply. My son would have preferred to work with the facilities management. He would have had a better chance to take classes at a near by college, and he would have a better chance at continuing his quals. However, like someone stated before, these young men and women have a different determination than most. They tend to take control of their lives and they make things happen. 

They tend not to believe in boundries. They exceed unlike anyone group I have ever seen. 

If the down side is the life of an instructor, that beats a whole lot of other things in life. 

We have raised our sons to take the world by the tail and follow it. And that is what he has done. I wish I could help you more. I have not seen a down side to anything nuke unless you call working your rear off to get a foundation in life a down side. If you want advice. Be there for you son or daughter. Remember it is their life and they may not choose the same path as what you would choose. Be proud of them and let them know it often. 

[ncquiltgirl]

Hi MichPad, I am so glad you did this posting.  I have questions too!!  My son in in DEP and goes to BC 2/3/14 and is in the Nuke program.  This route started out as "Plan B". He had originally intended to join the Navy as an officer and he was accepted to The Citadel.  He also applied for NROTC scholarship but did not get it. He didn't get any scholarships at all... so rather than come out of college owing a house he decided to enlist.  His recruiter is a Nuke also so we got alot of good information from him.  He still wants to go to college and thinks he will apply for the STA-21.  What I am wondering is if there is anything he can do from the get go that will help his chances.  Did your son get the STA-21 on the first try?  When did he apply and were there people to help guide him through it?  How long did it take for him to find out?  Did he consider the Naval Academy at all?  I spoke with a NROTC instructor at the Citadel and she told me that most of the STA-21 students at the Citadel are Nuke and if he stays Nuke he would have a good chance at the STA-21 because the Nukes are in high demand.  Any info you can give me would be great!!

[NF Mom]

My son would probably say: "as many of the following as possible":

Top grades in Power School.

A leadership position in Power School with evaluation ratings from your supervising LPO of 5 in leadership and  between 4 and 5 overall.

A college degree ( 2 year or 4 year ) with above a 3.5 GPA in college.

The ability to write well and explain in writing why you want to be an officer.

The ability to interview well verbally.

Ability to maintain a professional appearance in uniform at all times.

The amazing statistic I recall is the percentage of  Nuke Officers and Sub Officers that come from Nuke Enlisted ranks ( including the training pipeline ).   If my recollection is correct I believe I was told something around 50%.

I believe I also read one of the advantages of applying is that they get a free shot at taking the Chief's test without it triggering the time limits on how often one can take that test.

[NF Mom]

Add to the above:

letters of recommendation from scout leaders, ROTC commanding officers, and/or others in a position to observer leadership qualities, and,

an appearance that demonstrates physical fitness and high personal grooming standards.

[Chris]

I started the STA-21 group for parents with questions about the program.  Look at the "STA-21 how to" section.  Usually Nukes are not picked up from the fleet for STA-21.  They get picked up from the pipeline or as a SPU.  Putting a STA-21 package together is a process lasting at least six months.  The deadline is 1 July every year.  If you look at my profile you can see my son's progression through the whole process:  enlisted nuke, SPU, OC (Officer Candidate), degree, Commission, and now SNA (Student Naval Aviator).  

Nuke STA-21 candidates have the highest rate of acceptance into the program.  Last year 34 of 50 qualified nuke applicants we accepted into STA-21.  There were only 75 total candidates selected for STA-21 last year Navy wide.  So Nukes were @ half of the entire FY group.  My son's year, (2010) there were @ 210 selected of 750 qualified applicants. Becoming a qualified applicant is the first hurdle.

[Sierrascrapper (ETN2)]

Thank you so much for the links and info Chris...the coverage was comprehensive. I am going to pass all this info along to my son. I really appreciate everyone in this group for your input. I'm still learning as I go about all the ins and outs of this next exciting step in my son's life.

[Chris]

  ncquiltgirl,   I just saw your post.  Perhaps your questions have been answered.  I thought I'd chime in since my son was a nuke and a Citadel grad via STA-21. My son applied three times, three consecutive years.  He applied early and often, once in prototype (BS), and twice as a SPU.  There are CCC's, Chiefs and Officers at his command that can help.  STA-21 application deadline is July 1 every year.  Results are announced in October.  My son considered the Academy, but didn't want to give up the pay and wanted a college experience.  Check the Navy STA-21, Nukeworker, and Air Warriors websites for good info re STA-21.