Has anyone or know of anyone who has gone through the Navy Nuke program? My son has been accepted into the program and is consisering doing this. He has talked to a couple of guys but I would like to gather some more first hand experience.
I got heavily recruited for it in high school based on my ASVAB score, but one of the last places in the world I would want to be is on a nuclear sub. Not saying they all end up there, but they could....needs of the Navy and all that.
It used to be the obligation for nuclear programs was 6 years active duty if you go enlisted. That was a number of decades ago though.....
Still is 6 years. Then they offer over 100k to reup for 2 years. Subs are volunteers but not enough volunteers, then you know how it goes. My son took ASVAB on whim. Scored in 96% . As of now he doesn't want to be career .
I don't remember my test scores, but based on them, my recruiter told me I could choose any program. He even pushed OCS. I didn't choose subs as I wanted to see where I had traveled. Many fantastic sights/countries will never be experienced on subs. With subs, he will "hot rack" with someone else. Meaning, you have a rack that is yours 50% of the time and someone else's the other 50% of the time. Of course, you do change the sheets from person to person. Very small spaces. For example, sit on the pot and the privacy door closes against your knees; elbows are against the sides of the stall. Subs are traditionally known for their excellent meals-prepared and served with great pride.
I went through the Nuclear program in 1982 and served as a Electrician's Mate on two missile-carrying submarines, which we referred to as "boomers". At that time, I was stationed at the sub base in Groton, CT while the boats were based out of Holy Loch, Scotland. Both of the boats I served on are now decommissioned and there is no sub-tender in Holy Loch. You can learn something about those old boats if you search for "41 for Freedom" on YouTube. Also, there was a documentary film released in 1989 titled "Submarine: Steel Boats and Iron Men". You can see the whole thing on YouTube if you're interested. Imbedded here: Looks like the Navy has a website with promotional material about the program - you've probably already seen it @ Born for It? Navy Nuclear Seeks the Best & Brightest Things change and it's been a long time since I went through that program, but I'm happy to chat about my experience if it will help. For some reason I don't get emails from the forum. You can contact me directly at [email protected]
You have my utmost respect, sir, along with all the men and women of our armed forces. I think I could have done a lot of jobs in the military (well, except for the blindly following orders part - LOL) but no way would I want to be on a sub. They are impressive machines and their crews are amazing teams, but I couldn't do it. Thank you.
Congratulations to you and your son. You must be rightfully proud of him for being selected to train to be a part of what submariners call the “Silent Service.” My wife’s brother went through Navy nuclear school after earning his college degree in chemical engineering. He interviewed with Admiral Hyman Rickover as the final process to get in (an amazing experience with a very interesting man from what I gathered from that story). He successfully completed the program and then put in his time as a nuclear engineer officer on a sub. The job is highly classified so he has only shared basic details. They were on patrol for long periods of time with absolutely no outside communication with loved ones. His stories of being on the sail bridge above water in the middle of the night, the camaraderie and of ports of call are compelling the few times he has talked to me about the experience. He went on to a second successful career with Dow Chemical, and is now retired. The few people that have the ability to complete the requisite training to be in such a demanding military job are highly esteemed in the upper echelons of our great American science, engineering and energy companies once their service has been completed.
Always been curious why we arent using those carrier and sub platforms for energy of communities. I understand some data centers are using nuke for their high energy needs
Thank you Ornery-One’s Son for posting. I will say your mother and I were always proud of you. During Charlie's time in the Navy it was...interesting. His time in training was amazing along with the stories of all the guys who couldn't make the cut to get through all that nuke training. It paid off in our son's case.
Thanks for the replies. I'll be reaching out to some of you. I know my son doesnt want to be on a sub. So there lies the issue of the chance of being stationed on one. All I know the schooling is no joke! My BIL worked as an electrician at a plant. He said if you had Navy Nuke on your resume you were hired basically on the spot. (Unless of course you had some character issues with the law ) I also know defense contractors like nuke guys too. Ive read how stessful it is and how many dont make the cut. I was also told by a graduate of the program is that they do want you to succeed and try to help. I also seen posts that it ruined peoples lives. Not to brag, but my youngest son has always had excellent grades, nothing less than an A in school. This is with AP classes, etc... his last GPA was 4.70. (I really never see him study) So Im alittle worried that he his confidence in himself will go down without those As. And you know how it can go once you get in your own head.
