NNP Instructor

[jgray512]

Hello all! To get down to the point, recently the Navy has contacted me through my university (Penn State) in regards to instructor positions available at the NNPC in Charleston, SC. I have a basic understanding of the NNPC as I had a friend who was in the nuke program (I visited him while he was there, so I have seen the outskirts of the base); however, I have no idea what the viewpoint is from the instructor stance. Nonetheless, I have searched these forums to determine if anyone else has been in my position, but only a few posts were found. Judging from the majority of the posts here, most of you are in the nuke program currently or have completed the nuclear program.

Just for a brief introduction of myself so you know where I am coming from, I'm currently entering my junior year at Penn State University as an electrical engineer having completed all requirements (64 credits, all math and physics courses completed) for the major. I am only 19 years old, will be turning 20 in a few days.

Anyway, onward. The Navy has offered me an amazing deal as it looks on paper - willing to start paying me immediately E-6 commission until I graduate from the university at which point I will have to attend OIS followed by 5months of training at the nuclear facility. After which I am obligated to instruct for the school for four years. Through my research on this forum individuals who do this are called Direct Input Officers?

This sounds like an amazing deal, guaranteed job out of college, paid while attending college, officer status in the navy, and the countless other benefits. I do not really need the money to complete my college education - I can suffice paying my next two years by myself if needed (of course with the help of loans). The starting salary for electrical engineers in the private sector is roughly $54,000/year, although through research I have found this salary to be inflated by high-cost living areas (most of these jobs are located in New York/New Jersey). The Navy's monthly offer to me while attending college is $3048.00/month, however I'm assuming after OIS that wage will increase, correct? I'm assuming after OIS you are deemed as O-1 and receive that pay rate, but I am unable to find up-to-date rates on officer commissions. Does anyone know? I would greatly appreciate it.

Nonetheless, my real question is this: is it worth it to become a (basically) civilian instructor at the NNPC for the benefits, pay rate, ect.? I had thought of joining the military for a few years (just to do my part) when I graduated from high school, but I was only 17 at the time and my parents opted to help me with college -- so I took advantage of that. It is something I am interested in doing as a whole, not just financially, but because: (1) it is doing something for my country, (2) something I do enjoy -- teaching, and (3) a new experience. As for when the four years are up, what do the instructors do afterwards? Are there other positions in the Navy for the instructors or are they let go? If anyone here has gone through as a instructor, how does the experience look like on you resume for private sector jobs after completion of the four years? There are plenty of government jobs available to electrical engineers in particular, would you think being an instructor for the Navy would look good for these positions after the obligation even though it is not experience in the field?

If you actually read all of this, thank you, I look forward to seeing responses!

[mlslstephens]

Greetings, I have plenty of information for you.  Send me a PM and we will talk off-line so as not to "clog" up the forum. 

Mike

[Clerisy]

Greetings, I have plenty of information for you.  Send me a PM and we will talk off-line so as not to "clog" up the forum. 

Mike

Feel free to clog up the forum.  If there isn't much information about the subject floating around the forum and you've got some expertise, I think it's only fair that you share it with the rest of us. 

[Wirebiter]

Feel free to clog up the forum.  If there isn't much information about the subject floating around the forum and you've got some expertise, I think it's only fair that you share it with the rest of us. 

I second that request.  I was always curious how my old physics instructor got his job.

[ranger2]

From one Penn Stater to another...welcome.

After Penn State I did the navy nuke officer thing and now I'm doing the civilian nuke SRO thing. I'm on a class break at the moment, but I'd be happy to answer your questions when I have more time. Feel free to send a PM if you like.

Rich

[AshleighB]

Hi jgray, I went through the instructor application process a couple years ago, but ultimately chose to go SWO.  I certainly can't answer all your questions, but I can help with a few.  Once you start your application and get professionally recommended, you should be invited to take a trip down to SC to get a look around.  You'll have the chance to sit in on a few classes and talk to some of the instructors.  The classes are taught much differently than a typical college course and I was very impressed.

As for pay.  While in school you should be paid E-6, plus a housing allowance, and a food allowance.  O-1 pay at less than two years is a few hundred dollars more a month than E-6.  However, the housing and food allowances are a bit less.  I sat down and calculated it out for my area the other day, and I think it ended up being about the same, maybe a tiny bit more as an O-1.  You should be able to find the pay scales by doing a search for military pay rates.

Also, are you aware of the technical interviews in DC?

Hope this helps!