best rating for the real world?

[homersimpson]

im just going into nuke school, i was wondering what rating would be best for the real world...i was told ET...?

[Fermi2]

im just going into nuke school, i was wondering what rating would be best for the real world...i was told ET...?

Who told you that Bullcrap, someone who's never worked in the real world?

Mike

[Clerisy]

Who told you that Bullcrap, someone who's never worked in the real world?

Mike

That was the general impression I got from the forums at military.com.

Then I came here and MM/ELT seemed to be the preferred rating.

To be honest, in matters of opinion, I tend to agree with people here.  The reason being, most of the ex-nukes at military.com are bitter about the job they chose.  Most of the people here liked it enough to stay in the field.

Read some threads, decide what sounds best to you, and go for it.  No one can tell you what you want to be.

[Charles U Farley]

Sonar Tech.  Hands down.

I'm going out on a limb to say a large portion of the nukeworker community on this site is involved with radcon or radhealth physics.  Naturally, that would lend a preferential nod to ELT. 

Mechanics are like the stereotypical jarhead marines.  Stupid proud.  Happy to go into any situation blind, dumb, and deaf, covered in lube oil and come out with a smile on ugly mugs, only their mothers would think was handsome, like there is no better job in the world. 

Now, being an ET,  everyone, together, hold your hand over your hearts.  I will say that being one of God's select few... doesn't really matter. 

A nod to Jason, and what he said.  You will recieve enough cross rate training that you will have some level of proficiency at just about anything.  Apply for whatever interests you personnaly.  As anyrate, you can always cross qualify on any watchstation (a few exceptions apply).  The best lower level watch I ever saw was an electrician.  The best Engineroom Supervisor was an ELT.  The best mess crank I ever saw was an ET.  Do what you want and don't worry about the rest. 

[Rad Sponge]

I guess I would say the best combo nuke to crossover into operations would be
an ELT that is a great MM who is heavy on EM/ET theory.

Is that vague enough?

[Roll Tide]

It depends on your definition of real world. I would say MM qualified EWS would be the best preparation for OPS at a commercial nuke. But some wouldn't consider that the real world. And yes, you need a lot of cross-rate knowledge (which is why EWS is so important).

Additionally, get a B.S. while you are in. It will help inside and outside the Navy, and isn't expensive.

[M1Ark]

It depends on your definition of real world. I would say MM qualified EWS would be the best preparation for OPS at a commercial nuke.

Absolutely true.  ET's are a lock for I&C work but probably the least skilled than the other 3 ratings for anything else.  An ET that was a good EWS is the exception.

[Roll Tide]

Absolutely true.  ET's are a lock for I&C work but probably the least skilled than the other 3 ratings for anything else.  An ET that was a good EWS is the exception.

Besides Ken Atkins, were there any good ones? When ETC was the EWS, I felt better having the EOOW touring the spaces. 
ELTs are more likely to go Radcon, but those with a strong OPS mentality do great in commercial OPS.

Again, depending on the definition of real world. Nuke EMs are in high demand in non-nuke applications (elevator, assembly line, and crane come to mind). But I prefer the commercial nuke world.

[navytwinmom]

Well as you can see for some of the relys the best rating depends on who you talk to. I have twins in "A" school now one ET one EM...guess if I had knew the topic would come up I would have had triples just to help put an end to the controversy. 

The MM's ET's and EM's all rag on each other. MM's being knukle draggers. ET's hold the EM's back ect ect....

Do lots of research, listen to the guys on the board then sit yourself down and you will pick what is right for you! Oh and yeah the Navy will help you also!! Remeber you put togoether your wish list and they pick the rate.

Best of luck.

[SubEMNuke]

As everyone has said there is no best rate, especially if you want to work in the Nuclear or power plant community.  I am somewhat partial to the Electrical rate though, as almost all companies need some sort of electrical maintenance Technician or Supervisor, as everything runs on electricity and some electrical utilities will take you right out of the Navy and train you as an Electrical Distribution Operator or Power Dispatcher (Control Room Job in shift work like a Nuke plant). New England ISO as an example wants ex-Navy Nukes (only Electrical,Electronics or Officer Submariners) with Bachelors degrees as System Operators(Transmission or Grid Operators). To me it just seems a little more versatile in the civilian world.

[shayne]

I'm fairly certain that any of the Nuclear Navy rates are successful outside of the Navy.  It mostly depends on the individual and what you want to do.  I have seen many ex-nukes working in capacities that would be considered cross rate in the Navy. 

EWS (if it was a rating, it would be the best) is an excellent preparation for just about any job.  So regardless as what rate you end up, make the best of it by getting some college and work toward EWS quals.  Personally, as a EM, I spent almost an equal amount of time in the box (EO, TH, SRO, LR/PT) and the engineroom (Feed Control, AE->hanging out with all the MMs), so it helped me understand the entire operation of the plant, which made my quals much easier.

If I decide to get out of power plant design and get back into operations, more than likely I would move into a system operator position.

[Fermi2]

You don't need any electrical background at all to be an STO or GRid Operator. The best ones are those who have experience in the Commercial Industry whether it be at a Nuke or a Dirt Burner.

Mike

[Marlin]

You don't need any electrical background at all to be an STO or GRid Operator. The best ones are those who have experience in the Commercial Industry whether it be at a Nuke or a Dirt Burner.

Mike

So they shouldn't bother with the Navy? It's a waste of time?

[SubEMNuke]

Here is a quote from a major utilities' employment part of their web site:

Military veterans have the skills and experience that match up well with opportunities at FirstEnergy. Understanding and acknowledging your transferable skills is the first step toward a successful transition to the civilian workforce.

Serve your community as a FirstEnergy employee the same way you served your country. We have outstanding opportunities within our Energy Delivery, Power Generation, Nuclear, and Corporate Services organizations that are ideal for many levels of skill and expertise acquired during military service.

These include all engineering disciplines, Navy Nuclear, Naval Electricians and Machinists Mates, Logistics, Telecommunications, Communications, Technicians, Administrative and many other enlisted experiences. For example, Navy Nuclear or Naval Electrician's Mates offer great transferable skills for electric distribution dispatchers, generating plant operators, nuclear, or line worker positions.

They wouldn't put this statement on their web site if they didn't think ex-Nukes are superior.

[M1Ark]

I think what Mike was trying to say is that you do not need to be an electrician in the nuclear navy to be a grid operator.  Any of the rates will do.  He knows because he has personally witnessed all three rates well represented as a load dispatcher / system operator.  I've spent a shift hanging out with load dispatchers and their job is less electrical than my job as a licensed operator producing 1200 MWe.  As a matter of fact, DTE had previous HR folks and customer service folks as load dispatchers right alongside ex-navy nukes.

[Fermi2]

Here is a quote from a major utilities' employment part of their web site:

Military veterans have the skills and experience that match up well with opportunities at FirstEnergy. Understanding and acknowledging your transferable skills is the first step toward a successful transition to the civilian workforce.

Serve your community as a FirstEnergy employee the same way you served your country. We have outstanding opportunities within our Energy Delivery, Power Generation, Nuclear, and Corporate Services organizations that are ideal for many levels of skill and expertise acquired during military service.

These include all engineering disciplines, Navy Nuclear, Naval Electricians and Machinists Mates, Logistics, Telecommunications, Communications, Technicians, Administrative and many other enlisted experiences. For example, Navy Nuclear or Naval Electrician's Mates offer great transferable skills for electric distribution dispatchers, generating plant operators, nuclear, or line worker positions.

They wouldn't put this statement on their web site if they didn't think ex-Nukes are superior.

LOL wait, are you currently in the Navy or have you worked on a real reactor in the real world?

I used to help hire at my old plant and I do so at my new plant. Navy nukes are NOT superior in anyway. I'll take a deconner with 2 years commercial experience over a Navy nuke because I won't have to train them in the stuff thats really applicable to a commercial nuke. The rest is just text books and qualifying.

Oh M1Ark said it better, being an Electrician doesn't help one in any way in Load Dispatch. My guess is most the ones at TVA are not ex Navy, in fact I party with a crew from our oad Dispatch Dept and only one is ex Navy. And he was a MM.



Mike

[Marlin]

Are these comments helpful to the original poster or a mother who is interested in her sons future? Please get back on topic.

[SubEMNuke]

Don't wrestle with pigs...

Don't argue with idiots

I am sure glad that the Human Resources people at my company were disillusioned( as were several other companies I interviewed with) and hired me only because I was an ex-Nuke Electrician.  I could have just been an HR person or Call Center person at Wal-mart and got hired just as readily--LOL.

[ChiefRocscooter]

LOL wait, are you currently in the Navy or have you worked on a real reactor in the real world?

I used to help hire at my old plant and I do so at my new plant. Navy nukes are NOT superior in anyway. I'll take a deconner with 2 years commercial experience over a Navy nuke because I won't have to train them in the stuff thats really applicable to a commercial nuke. The rest is just text books and qualifying.

Oh M1Ark said it better, being an Electrician doesn't help one in any way in Load Dispatch. My guess is most the ones at TVA are not ex Navy, in fact I party with a crew from our oad Dispatch Dept and only one is ex Navy. And he was a MM.



Mike

OK I will start by saying that as a guy just walking in the door I am not truly qualified to make broad sweeping judgements about the industry but here is what I think  (for what it is worth):

Being a Navy Nuke is an advantage when trying to get hired, no if and or buts about it.  The companies I interviewed and talked to were mostly interested because I had a Navy Nuke background, would they have talked to me if I had been an army Ranger, or Navy Airdale??? Likely not!  Would they have hired a college grad over me?? (well since I have degree this is hard to say)  My guess is that once I got the interviews it was not being a Nuke that got the job, but what I said and did during the interview.  Now how much of what I said and did was influenced by my Navy background.... TONS.  But just because I was a Navy Nuke does not mean I am worth anything, it is just another factor in what make up me as a person.  I have met lots of useless Nukes that I would not hire to mow my yard, I am sure we all have.  In this same vein I have met lots of college grad engineers who are clueless and would not stand a chance against me in a job interview.  I have also met ones who I would be nervous about having to compete against.
Ok so all in all I am saying being a good "whatever you are" is the key and that being a NAVY Nuke just opens doors, it does not give you free pass or garuntee sucess!

Now as for the rating thing.. I was an ET but never fit in RC Div very well.  My two best friends were EM's (had to filp coin to pick my bestman) and I spent more time off boat with EM/MMs than ETs.  I think it would be impossible to say any one rating was better because if you fit and are good in one then it is best for you.  IN general the ET's were the "smartest" and lacked the most common sense.  The EM's were the most laid back, second smartest, and most likely to dodge work.  The MM's were hardest workers (note there is difference between hardest worker and having to work hard), and knew the steam side of the plant the best.  I would say there were one who shined at each and sucked at each rate.  And just to be clear I have met may MM's who were every bit as smart as ET's but they did not like trons cause they could not "see" them .

Mom tell your son s to be the best at what they like and it will not matter what they do!

Rob

[JsonD13]

The rate does not matter.  The best thing you could possibly do is get a stinkin' degree BEFORE you get out of the Navy.  A lot of people say they will just use their GI Bill, but in all reality only 10% of those eligible use it.  Also, I am making the assumption that you are not in the Navy yet, do not opt for the college kicker.  Take the bonus.  36,000 dollars (or whatever it is now) is plenty of money to use on a degree.  In fact, I am using it on my second Masters degree (I havent used much, maybe a quarter of that amount).  Don't let anyone knock the school you choose, just make sure it's a degree you can USE, and the school is ACCREDITED. 
But, like I said the rate does not matter.  There are benefits and downfalls of every rate in the Navy, each of them being partially unique.  Just remember in the end you really don't have a choice.

Jason

[M1Ark]

Great post, Chief!

There are also those that hated the thought of the Navy picking their destiny and selected MM as their first choice in Boot Camp.  Could they possibly be as smart as an ET but trained as an MM. 

I wonder how those folks would fare in the commercial nuclear power community?

M1Ark

[Charles U Farley]

There are also those that hated the thought of the Navy picking their destiny and selected MM as their first choice in Boot Camp.  Could they possibly be as smart as an ET but trained as an MM. 

See, now thats horses**t.  How smart are they really, if they let that make their decision for them. 

There is no class system in the enlisted rating structure, other that what we impose on ourselves.  I am tired of hearing mechanics act as if they are the red-headed stepchildren of the nuclear navy.  I am tired of ET's who think they are king of the world for no other reason than they sit in the middle of an airconditioned maneuvering.  Kidding and ribbing is one thing but this thread is seriously going down a path that pisses me off. 

The only thing that makes one rating take precedence over another is the needs of the navy.  If the navy needs mechanics, despite whatever cognitive aptitude you think you may have, you are going to be a mechanic.  And likewise for electricians and ET's.

Whatever your rating is doesn't make you one up on someone else.  Yes, you can train a houseplant to operate a nuclear reactor.  Much to my chagrin, I prove that everyday.  Regardless of rate, I wouldn't place many of these kids, officer or enlisted, on any pedestal, whatsoever. 

So, to all those that are thinking of enlisting:  Apply for whatever you think suits your interests.  The navy, regardless of your input, will decide if your interests run parallel to theirs.  As for "real" world transitioning, as has been said multiple times, get as much cross rate training regardless of what your rate is.  You'll be successfull no matter what.

[Roll Tide]

Personally I don't think that any ET around could beat me at Rx Theory. 

You may be more correct than you think. The Navy Reactor Operators deal with U-235 almost exclusively, due to the enrichment levels. When you start out with a commercial fuel bundle, it is 95% U-238. You end up with large percentages of your power / reactivity due to isotopes other than U-235. I have found myself explaining commercial Rx theory to most former ET Navy Nukes I have worked with, because they didn't pay attention in commercial class on the subject. After all, they already knew it. 

[navytwinmom]

Well Homer as you can see no shortage of options on this one!! but to get back to your question.....looks like no matter what you pick or gets picked for you they all have application in the "real world".

on a personal note....as a mom it is my option to kick the living stuffing out of my ET and/or EM if I ever hear on of them speaking like they are better than the other or for that matter better than anyone else.....no matter what rate they are, If all the Navy had was ET's or EM's or MM's or anything else for that matter we would not have the greatest Navy in the world.

The fine young men and women that have signed up to protect and serve deserve from all the respect and appriciation we can throw their way.

ok steping off my soap box  

I have found myself explaining commercial Rx theory to most former ET Navy Nukes

I will make sure my ET pays attention!!

Best Wishs

[Marlin]

Navytwinmom,
   Aptitude in a rating has a lot to do with the selection process. I had the highest scores of anyone processing in with me almost across the board. Two others were selected for ET and I got MM but then their mechanical and spatial relationships were on the low side. I found that later it was also easier for the mechanics to qualify on the senior enlisted watch stations probably for the same reason, the overall plant operation is more reactor theory and mechanics or heat transfer and fluid flow. As far as intelligence your sons would not have gotten in without being well above average on their test scores, the Navy does not like to waste their money and standards are set high to help guarantee a high percentage of success. The EM and ET ratings seem to open more doors on the outside other than just Nuke that is one advantage I see in their rates. In a couple of years they will have become "Old Salts" and I think you will like the changes you see in them.

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/navy/l/blnukeschool.htm

[Fermi2]

One thing that's a bit surprising. In the commercial world it's Electronics People who tend to be the ones who set up Valve Actuators and Set limit switches are Air Operated Valves. In the commercial world they're Instrument Mechanics and Technicians, not merely Electronics Techs.

The best rate is that which gets you a job on the outside.

Mike

[flamatrix99]

There is NO better rate in the navy's nuclear program.

Just the one you like to do.

Review the threads on this .... it might answer your quesitons.

As a navy nuke you will learn a lot about every rates responsiblities.  You will need to be a smart person to make it through the program reguardless what rate you choose.

Good Luck,

Jason

Jason is correct. I was a MM but I also ended up qualifying as a Reactor Technician (ET watch) and Secondary Chemist (ELT watch).  I also went to T-9 school (Reactor Principles).  So just because you are one rate or another doesn't mean you won't learn about the other rates.  Knowledge is power in the nuclear world. The more you learn now the more it can help you later on in your career.

Doug

[M1Ark]

See, now thats horses**t.  How smart are they really, if they let that make their decision for them. 

Glad to hear your opinion, Chuck.  If you read between the lines at what I said and re-read what you said you'll see we are not that far apart in our thought.  I realized early on that it doesn't really matter  what rate you end up. I had some help in my decision in that my father-in-law was a nuke electrician in power school class 62-04 and my uncle was a nuke ET in class 62-05.  I saw how they were doing 20 years post navy nuke and I picked their brains prior to joining and realized it doesn't really matter what rate you end up. I choose MM so I'll never know what would have happened.  I've been in the bussiness 20+ years and I am sick and tired of ET's saying they're the smartest, EM's saying they're the most marketable and ELT's saying they were....   you finish that line. 

Everyone is proud at what they do and they should be.

[hamsamich]

http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php?topic=4089.msg39942

try this topic as well.  I think ELT has a slight edge, only because they are qualified mechanics with a cherry on top (chemistry and HP also).  i'm not trying to start an argument, maybe i should just PM this info.  but to be helpful, I'll risk it.  I think all nuke ratings are similar in importance and brain power, but the simple fact is an ELT does more than one thing by virtue of him being an ELT (Chem Tech, HP Tech, Operator equiv. in the real world).  They don't even have to worry about trying to do extra by getting special quals like EWS, they are ELTs before they step on board even if they qualify the bare minimum when they get there (like me!).  Many people like to argue that everybody can qualify stuff similar to an ELT and that is EVENTUALLY true if they stay in long enough to go to another command, but if someone wants to do SIX and out and not bother with EWS or R-5 (radcon monitor, RCSS), go ELT.  I would if I had it to do over again, and people I trust (who are and who aren't EX-ELTs) are in agreement that ELT has a slight edge just because you are qualified to do more jobs.  Now some will argue that anybody can do the job on the outside an ELT did in the navy, and that is true, but who are you more likely to hire, some one with or without more experience for the specific job?  Other arguements include ELTs aren't as good at being MMs as a full-blooded MM, which I agree with, but they are still qualified MM and it is on the resume, and most of them were decent at it.  I was probably one of the worst MMs there was.  I probably had no business standing watch as an ERS now that I look back, but CP+L didn't care because all they saw was MM/ELT, so they hired me as an operator.  The secret is out, don't tell anyone! ;-)

Bottom line is it doesn't matter, much.  Just being an Ex-Navy nuke WILL get a foot in the door at many a nuke plant, as well as other places.  You can always get your foot in the door by doing what your rating qualified you for, then cross over after you've been at the plant for awhile when the time is right.

[Roll Tide]

With all due respect to Ham's well-reasoned reply, I must disagree that ELT is an advantage in what I considered "the real world".

ELT might be an advantage in getting a commercial OPS job on the outside (hadn't considered some of the details he included), but isn't as advantageous in working in commercial OPS. The troubleshooting and repairs I performed on the R-114 plants was valuable in the way prints are read in the commercial world. Most ELTs I worked with had never written an electrical clearance at the end of their first 6 years. But every MM that did Air Conditioning had that experience. The same argument can be made for the Diesel Maintenance MMs.

Sure, you could call on the ELT's for help changing out zinc rods / plates. They could turn a wrench, and even got the direction right when working on the backside of a beam (like working in a mirror). But I didn't see them working on the R-114s or LiBr plants (oops, those are probably all gone anyway). Most were competent wiping oil off the idle Diesel in AMR2LL, but were unlikely to be involved in that maintenance either.

Bottom line by Ham is correct. Getting the foot in the door is important. Being able to do many things is important. But when it comes time to settle into your career, it is important to be good at what you do. And IMHO, ELT is a distraction for many. They keep evaluating every job posting for Chemistry and RadCon, instead of focusing on OPS.

For the record: No, I didn't request ELT. Had I understood the job better, I might have. My intentions going into the Navy were to become qualified to enter OPS training with TVA (and operate Bellefonte, but that is a different thread). I asked my Dad what ratings the ex-Navy Nukes were that worked for him (Bellefonte Shift Manager, actually called Shift Engineer back then) had been, and the majority of the successful operators were MM.

[Marlin]

With all due respect to Ham's well-reasoned reply, I must disagree that ELT is an advantage in what I considered "the real world".

ELT might be an advantage in getting a commercial OPS job on the outside (hadn't considered some of the details he included), but isn't as advantageous in working in commercial OPS. The troubleshooting and repairs I performed on the R-114 plants was valuable in the way prints are read in the commercial world. Most ELTs I worked with had never written an electrical clearance at the end of their first 6 years. But every MM that did Air Conditioning had that experience. The same argument can be made for the Diesel Maintenance MMs.

Sure, you could call on the ELT's for help changing out zinc rods / plates. They could turn a wrench, and even got the direction right when working on the backside of a beam (like working in a mirror). But I didn't see them working on the R-114s or LiBr plants (oops, those are probably all gone anyway). Most were competent wiping oil off the idle Diesel in AMR2LL, but were unlikely to be involved in that maintenance either.

Bottom line by Ham is correct. Getting the foot in the door is important. Being able to do many things is important. But when it comes time to settle into your career, it is important to be good at what you do. And IMHO, ELT is a distraction for many. They keep evaluating every job posting for Chemistry and RadCon, instead of focusing on OPS.

For the record: No, I didn't request ELT. Had I understood the job better, I might have. My intentions going into the Navy were to become qualified to enter OPS training with TVA (and operate Bellefonte, but that is a different thread). I asked my Dad what ratings the ex-Navy Nukes were that worked for him (Bellefonte Shift Manager, actually called Shift Engineer back then) had been, and the majority of the successful operators were MM.

Roll Tide I was an ELT who went to AC&R school and LiBr school and was the onboard expert for both. I even did a freeze seal with the onboard equipment. I don't think I was that unique for a Fast Attack, one of our ELTs was also one of our welders. Its hard to paint anyone with the broad brushes we tend to use to put people in a box we can deal with. Experiences in the Navy depended on assignment, I think everyone recognizes the big difference in work load and cross training done in Fast Attacks as compared to the surface fleet. Now getting off of my high horse the perception of ELTs in general for those reveiwing resumes is probably the same as yours and if I were appying for an OPs postion I would down play ELT qualifications of my resume.

[hamsamich]

ha ha, that's funny that you say that marlin, because that is exactly what I did (play down my ELT to get the operator job, at least for one of the interviewers, I had 4.)  And when I was intervewing for Chem Tech, I turned the volume up on the fact that I was an ELT.  After reading RollTides post, I think he misunderstood.  I'm not saying ELTs are better qualified for a certain job, I'm just saying they are qualified to DO MORE jobs compared to the other ratings.  Avoid the tasty trap here of saying "but i was qualified this and that and I did this as well".  I'm merely comparing basic minimum qualified ELT vs EM vs ET vs MM.   And I guess i'm using a Fast Boat Nuke, because it was different on Targets.  Any of these ratings can go on to qualify whatever else the command will let them, within thier rating.  I got to be ships Diver, and exercise leader, and on the tender I was the dosimitry guy and a bunch of other stuff too.  But I'm not going to add this in to what ELTs and MMs qualify, because there are plenty of other extras everybody can get in all ratings.  Yes, ELTs may not have been AS QUALIFIED on the average to do MM jobs, but it is still on the resume.  There were plenty of guys like Marlin too, just not me and most of the ELTs on my boat.  We were all slackers.  I'm sure there are guys out there interviewing candidates who like MMs better than ELTs, but there are also guys out there who prefer ELT, ET, and EM.  But no matter what interviewers prefer, ELTs are still qualified to do more than two major departmental jobs.  If there are 12 jobs up for grabs say 4 operator positions, 2 chem tech positions, 2 HP positions, 2 maintenance positions, 2 IC tech positions, who has more possiblilities? 

[Roll Tide]

If there are 12 jobs up for grabs say 4 operator positions, 2 chem tech positions, 2 HP positions, 2 maintenance positions, 2 IC tech positions, who has more possiblilities? 

If you interview for all of the above at the same utility, don't expect to get an offer for any of them. Every one will wonder if you are just taking their slot in order to get an internal transfer to the one you really want. BTW, have a different resume for each. But you are right, I was intentionally focusing on which training prepared you to do (not get) the better job.

As far as the extra training, I only considered those with 6 years. Some of the Boomers had many slots for class, so the ELTs sometimes got the MM classes (such as R-114).  But most of the Fast Attack M-Divs I knew didn't get enough class billets to waste them on first-tour ELTs.

ELTs with more time in the Navy got more opportunities as MMs, in preparation for becoming the M-Div LPO one day. And my best and worst Chief were formerly ELT. Go figure...

[M1Ark]

Yes, ELTs may not have been AS QUALIFIED on the average to do MM jobs, but it is still on the resume.  There were plenty of guys like Marlin too, just not me and most of the ELTs on my boat.  We were all slackers.  I'm sure there are guys out there interviewing candidates who like MMs better than ELTs, but there are also guys out there who prefer ELT, ET, and EM.  But no matter what interviewers prefer, ELTs are still qualified to do more than two major departmental jobs.  If there are 12 jobs up for grabs say 4 operator positions, 2 chem tech positions, 2 HP positions, 2 maintenance positions, 2 IC tech positions, who has more possiblilities? 

I finally see your point Ham.  You are right.  I think the original poster was asking which is the best rate as in pertains to the real world.  You were answering it based on which rate has the best opportunity to get an ENTRY LEVEL job.  Myself and numerous others answered the same question based on which rate led to success which sometimes leads to rapid promotions into upper management. 

[Fermi2]

I was an ELT (An MM First) and I was about the best mechanic on my boat. I've never had trouble with any theory and probably understand more about Electronics Electrical Theory and Print Reading better than 95% of the nukes of any rating I've ever met. Being an ELT has only helped me in every job I've ever been in and has especially helped me as an SM because when I have to deal with other departments I've been able to speak their language AND to know when someone is blowing BS Smoke in my direction.

It all depends on what you make of it I guess. I went from an NLO to A SM in 9 1/2 years but I made darn sure anytime I had a chance to do jobs outside of Ops that I did them.

I know for a fact M1Ark didn't shy away from special duties and jobs and in fact performed a couple that ended up improving life at Fermi immeasurably.

Overall it's NOT so much your rate that determines your success, it's your willingness and ability to learn stuff that's normally not your job that is the end measuring device. So my best advice is to learn whatever you can because at some point in your nuclear career it might become you job. As my father used to say "Mikey when you work for a company it's not your job to tell them what your job is" Follow that rule and you'll do ok regardless of rate.

Mike

[hamsamich]

i was getting ready to post something similar to Broadzilla, but he did it for me!  sweet.  if you really want to make the most of it, any nuke can spend his time getting to know the other ratings and qualifying extra stuff, making him/her worth way more on the outside, especially when they get a real job and the people in charge see up-close what a gem they have or not.  i had an EM who always wanted to hang out in nucleonics and do primary sample stuff.  he got permission to take a couple of primary samples.  he probably owns a used car lot now.... 

[neitzezc]

depends on what you want to do when you get out o the Navy.  in the Navy ELT is the best bar none.  least work, most perks    when you get out if you want to stay nuclear, it doesnt matter, places are looking for every rate.  if you dont care if its nuclear or not when you get out the best is 100% either of the electrical rates.  their experience directly translates into so many more jobs out there then strait mechanics and ELTs. 

ETs/electricians are in high demand in almost all industry, mechanics are almost uniformally pushed into HVAC to use their skills rom the Navy (which subsequently, 90% of all nuclear mechanics have no experience with HVAC outside of standing a lower level watch while running a chiller.  most mechanics never do maintenance on them, most never do things like evacuate them, troubleshoot them.  most never eve see the internals of fans etc).  ELTs are in a lot of ways worse off from what I've seen because they are mechanics, but generally are seen as weak mechanically (not always true).  their expertise lies in radcon (only really power plant applicable, with some minor applications in medicine you could get into without a degree), and chemistry (and most places looking for chemists are looking for the chmistry major from a university)

This has just been my experience so far as a former ELT. 

[Austria]

I think the best rating is the one that interests you most. If you haven't already been placed, take a good, hard look at what the job descriptions for each rating are and how they compare with your interests and aptitude.

Another way to look at this: they are ALL the best rating to apply to the commercial world. As much as any experience you gain in the Navy, the fact that you are an honorably discharged Navy Nuc means that you are a highly trainable and capable individual. Some smaller facilities such as university labs, source manufacturers, etc... may look at you and go..."ooohhhh. Navy Nuc. They already know everything. Good one to hire." Larger facilities such as commercial power plants will look at you and think...."Navy Nuc. Someone we know we can train."

I started off as an MM (had always been a mechanic) and decided on ELT school while at NPTU ballston Spa because I wanted to stay for ski season. I told that to my division officer and that weekend we were headed up to Killington and I was selected for ELT school. No lie.
Turned out to be a great move for me as I found out I really enjoyed ELT work, especially the radcon aspect.

So, follow your interests and gain as much experience as you can in operations and evolutions outside your specialty area as well. On the Enterprise we would solicit volunteers from other divisions for special duty assignments such as primary side SG work, Resin exchange, CRDM replacement, etc.....A lot of people found the work interesting and a nice break from their normal duty rotation. 

Work hard on advancing in your rate as well as additional qualifications such as radcon shift supervisor, engineering watch supervisor, etc....these are all things that show just how capable and trainable you are.

Good luck with whatever you choose and remember that whatever rate you choose, it's a good one!   

[rlbinc]

The best all around nuke I ever met was a Gunner's Mate from an FFG. If you worked at Clinton, you might know a man formerly known as Mongo.

Know anyone smarter? I don't.
 

[LaFeet]

Dang   I guess Ima just stoopid


 I thought SMAGs, Apes, Twinkies and Tricians all worked together.  At least we did on my boats... even that slow pig I was last on.

 As for 6 and out------ get EWS quals ASAP, nuff said.  Also, if the command will let you, qualify anything that you can.  I managed to qualify everything except the primary SMAG stuff.... and welder (they dont give ETs those NECs)..... BCE was a cool qual.

 As for an advantage, any NUKE worth anything should have an equal chance at getting the job.  Its really about how well you apply and sell your skills.

 BTW   I gotta go work for BroadZ