Navy Nukes

Comment

Comment by Jim G. on November 26, 2011 at 12:08am

I agree and concur with the comments below, and want to confirm that former Navy Nukes are "highly sought after" in MANY job fields, mostly due to their demonstrated ability to learn and master complex tasks and problem-solving capabilities.

 

I am not aware of any direct changes to future U.S. Nuclear strategy as a result of Fukishima accident, but there will certainly be impacts felt by all plants and licensees.

I also know many friends that I served with working in non-nuclear industries, and across the board Nukes stand out in the workplace regardless of rating.

 

William, I moved from Newmarket NH to Arizona 10 years ago.  Never miss the winters, but would love to be back there this time of year!

 

For Laura: Regardless of the impacts from Fukishima, I would encourage all our sailors to finish their degree prior to completing their enlistment.  Thomas Edison, Excelsior, and many other schools offer distance classes and also provide credit for Navy  Nuclear training and qualifications.  This will make them even more emplyable, and also provide additional options once they start working at a plant or other company.

 

Comment by Mike K on November 26, 2011 at 12:02am

To all posting here it is always suggested that for OPSEC reasons, last names should not be used either of the sailor or of the person posting.  I don't mean to be rude but just passing on information.

Comment by Ward Baxter on November 24, 2011 at 12:15am

I'll echo what William stated about opportunities for ex-Nukes outside of the civilian nuclear industry. I work in semiconductor manufacturing as a supervisor of the maintenance technicians that repair our manufacturing equipment. There are always exceptions, but we love hiring ex-Nukes because of the breadth of knowledge they bring and the ability to think on their feet.

Comment by William in Nashua on November 23, 2011 at 6:31pm

That is terrible they are separating 3,000 sailors not nules of course. It was in Navy Times today.

Comment by William in Nashua on November 23, 2011 at 6:05pm

Nuke ET's have a lot of other job opportunities beyond just working in nuclear power plants as reactor operators or even working in the nuclear industry at all. There are plenty working in the electronics industry, petroleum and defense contractors due to training in fiber optics, controllers & sensors. That does not depend upon the future prospects of commercial nuclear power.

Comment by KS Dad on November 23, 2011 at 6:00pm

Laura: My relative and friends who work in the Nuclear Power Industry say about the same as what Jim said especially about "hiring the best regardless of rate."

One thing I'd add; ex Navy MM's, ET's, EM's, are popular and sometimes exclusive hires in coal fired and natural gas fired electrical generating plants. My source on this is a local utility manager who did a presentation to a local service club here recently.

Comment by Steve Hubbard on November 23, 2011 at 3:11pm

Jim...Thanks to you for your insight and clarification.  And thanks to all who have contributed to this discussion.  As in all walks of life, the hardest working, most outstanding candidates have a better probablity of being assigned their preference of jobs (ratings).  However, the needs of the service will almost always prevail.

My advice to my son (and anyone else that might ask) is...work hard and give your best effort at whatever task you're given and then let the cards fall where they may.

Comment by Jim G. on November 23, 2011 at 2:24pm

As a former MM, and ELT, I would like to help answer some of the questions posed here.  (As well as dispel a rumor or two)

 

First, I have worked in civilian nuclear power for the past 2 decades and will tell you that your sailor's performance and qualifications (rather than their rating) will determine eligibility for future jobs outside the Navy.  We hire the best, regardless of rate, and train them in what they need to know.  In the Navy, only ETs qualify as Reactor Operator.  In civilian nuclear plants, we train all three rates as Reactor Operators.  So, if they work hard, perform well and qualify EWS or PPS they will have a much better chance of hiring on at a civilian power plant.

I also do not believe there are necessarily more job options for ETs than other rates.  As an ELT Machinist's Mate, I am qualified for jobs in maintenance, operations, chemistry and radiation protection.  I also came out with QA experience, and a Diesel maintenance NEC. 

Most ETs work in maintenance (I&C) or Ops.

While there is nothing wrong with speculating about the various rates, the truth is they will get the rate that best suits both their aptitude and the needs of the Navy. 

Almost guaranteed to get MM if they ask for it and, if that is where their interests lie (working with their hands rather than with tiny screwdrivers), then I would recommend it as a first choice!  : )

 

Comment by LalaH on November 22, 2011 at 1:19pm

Mine did the reenlist that they had at the end of Nuke school for an extra 2 years plus at that time a $45k bonus. He got part then and the rest later.  Like the enlistment bonus he got -- 1/2 at the end of BC and 1/2 half-way or towards the end of Nuke school.  With his contract, and at the time he enlisted, he has 2yrs of Navy Reserves to do after he leaves the ship -- active status.  His total time will come up to about 10years by the time he's done, and he was a depper too. :) 

Comment by lsdemme2001 on November 22, 2011 at 11:22am

My son took the reenlistment bonus right around his fourth year.  He has to do another six, but the two years remaining on his original enlistment go away.  So he will have served ten years by the time he completes his commitment.  He is an E-5 and hopefully he will be at least a Chief by the time he gets out.  He is an ET on the Enterprise and has completed one deployment.  Looks like another will be underway early 2012.  Hopefully it will be his last and he will teach at one of the prototype facilities after the next deployment.  That's the plan right now...but needs of the Navy always takes priority.     

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