Well since nobody is answering my other question, I have another question for nukes that have been/were in for a long time. Were there PEs in your command structure who you knew that could have written (or did write) you a recommendation to become a PE?
Do you think that if you collect a PE, a Harvard MBA, and a MSEM is going to land you a position as a Plant Manager? Titles are irrelevant. My guess is that no one has answered your questions because you're all over the map on what you want. Engineering (i.e., PE), Business Office (MBA), Engineering Management (back to Engineering), OPS (you have no qualifications), Project Management (what project experience do you have?), etc.
Yes, most organizations have a formal program to assist you with obtaining a PE License. You'll then be expected to go do professional engineering work (i.e., use the license). Likewise, most have educational assistance programs that will help you with other graduate degrees. (Navy and Commercial).
Gen IV Reactors? They're theoretical:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_IV_reactorYour generation/year group should be looking at the AP1000, unless you want to do research and design work for a reactor that "might" start up in 2030.
USA vs Japan vs French project management? No clue. Do you want to live in France? Go for it then. Everyone has their problems, I'll guarantee. (That's why we need engineering managers, and engineers to solve problems).
You seem to have outstanding academic potential, but what experience do you have applying it? In the Navy, you will learn to command a $2B submarine and her crew. As a Commercial SRO (after entering via one of the approved pathways), you'll be equally in charge of 3000+ MW of energy and people without a six year enlisted contract, but have a union steward. Are you ready for a leadership challenge that is not taught in college?
People complain in a never-ending, demanding, highly technical positions because it's very challenging and you can never let your guard up. People complain in the Navy, people complain in Commercial, people complain at NASA, people complain at the DOE. Don't let a few disgruntled sailors posting their unique stories on the Internet lead you to a quick conclusion about the entire technical enterprise. The issue with the Navy is mostly the long deployments...obviously.
Do you love technology and are willing to work hard? Are you ready to be challenged more than you ever have been before academically? Are you ready to see if you can actually apply what you've learned to "hands on" experience, not only with a seemingly unwieldy, unforgiving technology, but with the sailors, mechanics, etc that you've read about that complain constantly (but also love their job)? Are you ready to see what you're actually made of...vice what's framed on your wall on an 8x10 piece of paper?
Navy: Go for it.
Commercial: Go for it.
Enlisted vs Officer in commercial: Irrelevant...unless your commercial job announcement requires a degree. (I've never seen one list a prior military rank before).
Go talk to an officer recruiter. Shotgun your resume around the nuclear circuit (e.g., Westinghouse, Exelon, etc) and see what happens. Get in the game and see where life will take you. Take anything from an Internet forum full of strangers with a grain of salt.
Good luck.
Co60