Navy Nukes

Comment

Comment by Ric Pallson on January 28, 2012 at 10:54am

OK we need to talk about this -- the plain fact is about one in four of our kids is NOT going to get thru power school.

Me -- I remember how I just did not get it with Diff EQ back in college a long time ago.  I still don't get those backward d's . Had to totally replan my career.  So what.

Some of our kids will hit the wall and not make it as Nukes.

Plain fact.

My daughter introduced me to one of her classmates that didn't pass Power  School, he was waiting for whatever the Navy would send him to, totally bummed out. He worked as hard any any one, but he just couldn't understand some of the techie stuff.

How can we support our "Nuclear Waste" -- yeah thats what they are called. The 25% that don't make it thru the nuclear program.

And it gripes my guts. The 1 in 4 that don't qualify nukes after sweating and trying as hard as they can, and just don't get there.

And get called "nuclear waste".

Any help or support greatly appreaciated.

Thanks

Comment by Ric Pallson on January 25, 2012 at 11:04pm

Right -- like Mike said

  He says the classes are intense, but the teamwork and group support is great.  Like Mike K said, support is the key.   Encourage him to talk with the other students and lean on them for understanding and help.

My daughter graduated Power School about 2 years ago.

Their nanny Goat made a big  point of congratulating his top honorman -- not for being top honorman but for the extra 30 hours per week tutoring classmates. Rough quote -- "If you hadn't helped we'd have two or three fewer graudates"

Support is there. Sometimes it's hard to ask for support -- but believe me it is there from instructors, mentors, classmates.

Just ask -- just tell your Sailor to ask for whatever help he needs -- no shame -- Hell , all his classmates and instructors and CPO's --want-- him to succeed.

And bless his guts for embarking on the most intellectually challenging training in the Navy

No shame to ask for help, your shipmates and superiors will give unstintingly.

Just ask it will be given.

 

R

Comment by Steven S on January 25, 2012 at 10:15pm

Michael, if he can make it through power school, he will make it through proto.  Mine did his at GC, but the sponsors will not let him struggle for too long before they get him straight.  He's proved he can learn it. 

Mines been assigned to the USSBN Nebraska in Washington St. since September now.  He's been waiting and getting trained up there soon to be out with his crew.  He re-upped yesterday for 2 more and is very happy today.  I got pictures of certificates, EM 2nd class now.  He was given the flag that flew over the Nebraska Sept 9, 2010.  That came with a certificate stating the same too.  Pretty cool deal.  I cant wait to go visit and see the country there around Seattle. 

Bottom line here is, I suppose if our boys are smart enough to finish power school.  They will make it through the rest, with difficulty, but nothing easy is worth having, right? 

Peace to you all..!

Comment by Michael E. on January 25, 2012 at 8:31pm

My son, is in Ballston Spa going through prototype.  He is struggling with his check outs due to his less than confident style of communicating his knowledge. From any body out there is there still a chance for him to cpmplete the programand get out to the fleet. I am a very worried Dad.  He knows his stuff he says just can't communicate his knowledge.

Please, let me know of lyour experiance if any.

Comment by Mike Adams on January 25, 2012 at 8:18pm

David, 

My son is there now too.  He says the classes are intense, but the teamwork and group support is great.  Like Mike K said, support is the key.   Encourage him to talk with the other students and lean on them for understanding and help.  My son says there is a lot of that going on, you just have to get involved and be open about what you understand and what leaves you a bit baffled.   My son was a solid "A" student with tons of math and science, and he says that this is some of the hardest conceptual information he could imagine grasping.     When you add that they have to leave books and info in the building and cannot study in their rooms it tends to be a challenge for anyone.    There are good folks there and I am sure your son can get some help without going through any issues for asking.  Best of luck David.

Comment by Mike K on January 25, 2012 at 6:53pm

Best advice is to obviously fully support your sailor and encourage him.  This training is really really tough and the stress levels are very high.  Make sure he takes advantage of all the help he is offered, it is NOT a sign of weakness or anything else.  There are instructors there constantly to help and really want the sailors to ask questions.  There is no shame in that at all and they try to make you feel that way.  Other students are also more than willing to help.  My son went through GC in 09'-10' and helped many many other students as he was lucky he had a very strong science and math background going in.  He has actually said he would like to go back as an instructor as he enjoyed helping others and now that he is in the fleet he can relate it better than some civilian instructors who were good in theory but not practicum.  Bottom line is encourage him to the help available as the Navy really does want them to succeed and works hard to that end.

Comment by Dave King on January 25, 2012 at 6:17pm

Any good advise I could get from you guys. My son is at goose creek at A school and is having a hard time. He's not understanding alot of what they are learning. He did say he felt good about his test today but I haven't heard the official score. I have been trying to keep him motivated. He's just not sure if it's right for him

Comment by John Augustine on January 25, 2012 at 4:31pm

I just have to add, in August of 2008 I was honored to start the "Navy Nukes" Groups. My oldest son TJ was was on the USS Columbus and now he is going to Goose Creek, SC to be a Nuclear Instructor. It's full circle for him. 

Comment by Frank on January 15, 2012 at 11:41am

Haven't been on for quite some time. However, the wait is finally over.  Son has finally made it through the pipe line and is getting ready to head out to his first assignment. He has been assigned to the USS Pasadena USN 752.  It is currently in dry dock at Portsmouth Naval Ship Yard for the next year.  Any information on what he may or may not be doing will be greatly appreciated.  Good Luck to All.

Comment by Ric Pallson on January 14, 2012 at 4:10am

Been two years since I was there, just about this time of year for power school grad.

But it's not Chucktown ,it is Chasville -- or whatever.

Good place to live anyhow. Fond memories of the 5 days there.

Right now daughter is somewhere other side of the world - the public site says they left Bangkok a few days ago going -- wherever.

Take care

R

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