Picking a rating.

[nukemdukem]

I am a very visual person.  I love to design and problem solve things.  Always have.  What rating should I pick?

  Thanks!

[JustinHEMI05]

I am making the popcorn.

Justin

[Fermi2]

I am a very visual person.  I love to design and problem solve things.  Always have.  What rating should I pick?

  Thanks!

Uh yeah. how about FD (Fashion Designer)

Mike

[DSO]

I am a very visual person.  I love to design and problem solve things.  Always have.  What rating should I pick?

  Thanks!

You don't get to pick, but you might ask for "DQPO"--and I bet you will get it.Thats "Dumb Question Petty Officer"

[JustinHEMI05]

MMM this is good popcorn. 

Justin

[Rad Sponge]

If this is your thing "Problem Solving and Design", then do not go nuke, because you will have no chance or very little chance to design anything. Problem solving? Yes, to a point, but you will read a manual and follow a procedure to solve problems, not come up with ingenius solutions on your own.

Honestly, research the Engineering Aid (EA) rating.

http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/navyjobs/navyjobs2/blea.htm

[Samabby]

You will be ASSIGNED a rate in Great Lakes. Since there are three, you have at least a 1/3 rd chance of getting your choice. 

[nukemdukem]

If this is your thing "Problem Solving and Design", then do not go nuke, because you will have no chance or very little chance to design anything. Problem solving? Yes, to a point, but you will read a manual and follow a procedure to solve problems, not come up with ingenius solutions on your own.

Honestly, research the Engineering Aid (EA) rating.

http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/navyjobs/navyjobs2/blea.htm

Sounds somewhat interesting.  I still have no idea if I would enjoy nuke as much as that or which is more respectable.  I have a great mind for design and would hate to see it go to waste.  If someone says "I need this to do this" or whatever, I can probably think of it.

[Rad Sponge]

Well, there is little room for a designer in navy nukedom.

People, payed far more than you, wearing ties, are paid to design reactor components and fit them all together.

A nukes job is to operate it.

Most Navy jobs are like that. You evaluate and process data, operate equipment, and read procedures.

I mention EA, because it is the closest thing an enlisted man gets to engineering work. You would pick up skills in construction engineering that would benefit you if were to explore an education and career in Civil Engineering.

[93-383]

Well, there is little room for a designer in navy nukedom.

People, payed far more than you, wearing ties, are paid to design reactor components and fit them all together.

A nukes job is to operate it.

Most Navy jobs are like that. You evaluate and process data, operate equipment, and read procedures.

I mention EA, because it is the closest thing an enlisted man gets to engineering work. You would pick up skills in construction engineering that would benefit you if were to explore an education and career in Civil Engineering.

the problem with EA is they are pretty much draftsman and must already have training in drafting and cad work. I asked several guys I've known that did recruiter tours and none of them ever put in a EA they said it was very hard to get

[Rad Sponge]

This could be true, I know you have to have taken a full course in Trig.

[nukemdukem]

Well I have taken up to calc II. 

Can Navy nukes eventually be the ones who design the reactors?  How do you pursue that (i assume post-Navy?)?

[HydroDave63]

Sounds somewhat interesting.  I still have no idea if I would enjoy nuke as much as that or which is more respectable.  I have a great mind for design and would hate to see it go to waste.  If someone says "I need this to do this" or whatever, I can probably think of it.

So what do you design now? Or is this conjecture based on public schools...?

[ddklbl]

If this is your thing "Problem Solving and Design", then do not go nuke, because you will have no chance or very little chance to design anything. Problem solving? Yes, to a point, but you will read a manual and follow a procedure to solve problems, not come up with ingenius solutions on your own.

I don't necessarily agree.  When I checked out with my CMC, one of my biggest complaints that I unloaded on him was the verbatim compliance nazis.  Nowhere does any navy nuclear procedure incorporate battle damage.  You can't anticipate the results of taking a shot like the Stark or Cole.  You have to be able to adapt and overcome.  Geeze, I sound like Gunny Highway  .  Change the slightest variables with the San Fran and you could have had much more serious consequences (and I don't mean to marginalize the actualized hardships of that crew either).  There has to be a certain level of ingenuity within personnel to be able to counter any of the infinite un-analyzed scenarios.  Some answers are not found in the procedure.  Generally speaking, I don't think the navy does a good job developing an awareness for such things.  Certain a-holes, yes.  The program as a whole, no.

[mlslstephens]

Can Navy nukes eventually be the ones who design the reactors?  How do you pursue that (i assume post-Navy?)?

Do you normally wear bow ties?  Is there any tape holding your glasses together? Ever spend any time in a Turkish prison?...(oops sorry, wrong reference)

Can you even tie a bow tie?  If the answer to these questions is no, then you aren't ready to design nuclear reactors.

On a serious note, if you truly like designing things, then check out the CS rating.  That field needs people who can think out of the box.

X

[Fermi2]

Sounds somewhat interesting.  I still have no idea if I would enjoy nuke as much as that or which is more respectable.  I have a great mind for design and would hate to see it go to waste.  If someone says "I need this to do this" or whatever, I can probably think of it.

Outside of making model cars out of clay what exactly have you designed and what problems have you solved?

Mike

[mlslstephens]

I don't necessarily agree.  When I checked out with my CMC, one of my biggest complaints that I unloaded on him was the verbatim compliance nazis.  Nowhere does any navy nuclear procedure incorporate battle damage.  You can't anticipate the results of taking a shot like the Stark or Cole.  You have to be able to adapt and overcome.  Geeze, I sound like Gunny Highway  .  Change the slightest variables with the San Fran and you could have had much more serious consequences (and I don't mean to marginalize the actualized hardships of that crew either).  There has to be a certain level of ingenuity within personnel to be able to counter any of the infinite un-analyzed scenarios.  Some answers are not found in the procedure.  Generally speaking, I don't think the navy does a good job developing an awareness for such things.  Certain a-holes, yes.  The program as a whole, no.

I would like to use your own words to refute your response.  You say the Navy does not do a good job developing awareness for such things, but you use the USS Cole and the USS San Francisco as great examples where the Navy has done a good job.  The San Fran is an unbelievable example of this.  Having spoken to my friends who were on her when she hit the side of the mountain, there Navy training was instrumental in saving many lives.  The Cole, once again, great training led to great results and a minimization of loss.  What variables of the San Francisco would you like to change???  I can take any example of history (which means past where hind sight is perfect) and "change the variables" and have a much worse outcome.  Your argument doesn't hold much water here.

As for the verbatim compliance issue, the Navy doesn't teach verbatim compliance.  It does teach understanding, anticipation and procedural compliance.  I will be glad to argue the points of the Navy's view on instruction of nuclear power.  I'm quite qualified in this area.    

[Fermi2]

I deviated from procedure 3 times when I was in the Navy and got commended all three times because I realized the procedure would not work for the situation I was in and took appropriate action based on my training. I never heard anyone in the Navy leave the term "verbatim compliance" as a stand alone item. The words Intelligent Use Of Procedure were used a lot when explaining vErbatim Compliance and I bet they still are.

Mike

[mlslstephens]

I deviated from procedure 3 times when I was in the Navy and got commended all three times because I realized the procedure would not work for the situation I was in and took appropriate action based on my training. I never heard anyone in the Navy leave the term "verbatim compliance" as a stand alone item. The words Intelligent Use Of Procedure were used a lot when explaining vErbatim Compliance and I bet they still are.

Mike

Perfect example of my point.  Yes, BZ you are correct.  We have changed the wording from intelligent use of procedures to understanding and anticipation.  Many, and I mean many procedures have flaws.  Verbatim compliance would be a very bad thing.

[ddklbl]

I'm quite qualified in this area.    

Yes, XO.  I know your qualifications .  We are on the same page that the recovery of the Stark, Cole and San Fran are testaments to those crews.  I am trying to choose my words carefully, but I think that we have been very fortunate in all of our mishaps. 

My favorite checkout dealt with loss of control power.  The look on students faces was priceless when I told them I didn't care what your standing orders said when a certain #2 pump failed.  Anyone can memorize words.  I wanted to know what they would do when the one loop was isolated following a SLR and other operable means of pressure I&C became erratic.  I wanted them to tell me what to do when flooding was from one side and the other generator wouldn't tie on.  What would happen when fire spread in AMR2 making panels X,Y, and Z deranged?  I think I gave you a STaTs comment once because a Bettis lady came into one of these checkouts and asked why I wasn't following the volume 1 and challenged me on wether or not my questions were even legit.  I told her to pack sand.

As far as the six watchstanding principles, you and I are going to have to agree to disagree.  I had plenty of discussions with your shift engineers about the five, oft forgotten principles.  They were a matter of convenience for some of them, to be used as necessary.  I know that will probably torque you a little, but you weren't there during the closed door sessions I had with some of them. 

My last SE threatened to disqual me over a verbatim compliance issue.  Something akin to removing test leads from test jacks during a TP&CC before the procedure told you to.  He wasn't happy when I gave him lookups on procedural compliance in the T7, EDM, and ET Bible.  I'm sure I could have been a little more tactful, but you know me ...

[mlslstephens]

As far as the six watchstanding principles, you and I are going to have to agree to disagree. 

Thanks for the thoughtful response. This is why I love this forum.

I know that will probably torque you a little, but you weren't there during the closed door sessions I had with some of them. 

...me,  get torqued? 

[ddklbl]

You know honeycomb, this little segway wasn't too far off track.  I've done more damage elsewhere on these boards. 

I am just saying that I believe there is room for a creative spirit in the nuclear navy regardless of rating.  Each division is faced with problems that aren't easily addressed by the standard playbook.  Now, the OP shouldn't be misled into thinking he is designing or engineering anything per se.  But, rather, operating systems to their full capacity under a myriad of circumstances.

[Mike McFarlin]

And for some reason I thought this was about 'Picking a Rate'.   

I've noticed that they pick the skinny (can barely lift a pencil) guys for ET and then a little more muscular is the EM and the ones that are buff (muscular), handsome and strong for MM.  If that helps anyway.  Oh yeah the Really great MM's are picked for Submarines.  And, they go on to Welding and Diver school to complete the transformation to 'Fully Functional Nukedom'. 

Jason, Your were a MM, right?  

[JustinHEMI05]

Whatever you decide remember these hallowed words...

"Choose your rate, choose your fate." unknown many wise men


Justin

[xobxdoc]

Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh


Okay you got me.  I was all of those things .... great now I've been out'ed.

The game is up.  The humiliation of it all. 

Hi'...My name is Jason.  I'm a MM.....(*the sound of sobbbing in the background ... the audience sobbbbbing in the background not me I'm a MM we don't sob). 

Chuck Norris was an MM


But, hey we need skinny guys to be nukes too.

[ISOCS]

I agree, nuke MM/ELT is the way to go. I never thought much about it but the twidgets were skinny!!

[nukemdukem]

I am also thinking of going towards MM after some research.  Sound good?

[Rad Sponge]

There are a kabillion different threads relating to comparisons between the nuke ratings. Let's not start another one.

You have not posted enough about yourself, your grades, your ambitions, for anyone to comment intelligently on whether MM is good for you or not.

I still think, based on what you have said, that nuke is not for you.

[Cycoticpenguin]

On a serious note, if you truly like designing things, then check out the CS rating.  That field needs people who can think out of the box.

thats just MEAN man!

ISOCS - sheesh

Nukemdukem - you sound like an ET . However, you dont get to pick your rate, the grand ole Navy gets to do that for you. I suggest thinking deeply if you would be happy as a NUKE, and the responsibilites that incurrs. I just reported to my carrier, and its amazing the sense of pride I have knowing that I MOVE THAT! I (in)directly influence the lives of thousands of people in my ability to use my training effectively. You dont get the design/engineering aspect you want, but you do go into construction, repair, and problem solving daily. (even through out the pipeline). Sounds like you want to be an MM imo.

[HydroDave63]

There are a kabillion different threads relating to comparisons between the nuke ratings. Let's not start another one.

You have not posted enough about yourself, your grades, your ambitions, for anyone to comment intelligently on whether MM is good for you or not.

I still think, based on what you have said, that nuke is not for you.

I second Jason's motion.

[DSO]

I am also thinking of going towards MM after some research.  Sound good?

Nukemdukem--After analyzing your posts I think you should just enter the Navy as a Striker and while in the Navy continue quizzing  other Sailors about what rate you should pick before you jump in and make a decision.

[Fermi2]

LOL That's terrible!!!

[Marlin]

I am a very visual person.  I love to design and problem solve things.  Always have.  What rating should I pick?

  Thanks!

Tough crowd here but then that is what you can expect in the Navy. The term "Needs of the Navy" will become very clear after you enter. If the Navy can accomodate you, usually it will but only in their own interest. Any negotiation is limited and any promises not in writing by your recruiter are not relevant. Anything beyond operation is not in the realm of enlisted or officer with very few exceptions. If you are interested in design you need to be in the top of your class in college in one of the fundamental sciences. I don't know what you expect the job to be but it is likely to include sweating your butt off and working long hours. If you have no interest in "service" the military in any form may not be in your best interest.

[Cycoticpenguin]

if 12+ hour days, working with idiots, and lack of sleep equivocate to your idea of a hot job, then join the navy as a nuke


Im serious about that, but their are a TON of rewards that come from it though (advancement requires a pulse, not much more )

[JustinHEMI05]

if 12+ hour days, working with idiots, and lack of sleep equivocate to your idea of a hot job, then join the navy as a nuke


Im serious about that, but their are a TON of rewards that come from it though (advancement requires a pulse, not much more )

So when is your re-enlistment again?

Justin

[Surveyors_mato]

So when is your re-enlistment again?

Justin

Hey, while I'm not where you are now, I have been there before. Back in the 80's. We had a saying......." Friends don't let friends reenlist " and " Reenlistment?.........JUST SAY NO! "

Anyway.....come on home, the waters fine

[Kev3399]

This thread fails to deliver. I was really looking forward to this thread entertaining me well into February.

I guess I'll have to use the search function to find an old one to hold me over.

[McBride]

Me were Non-Nuke A-Ganger! 
Ugh!
Me likeing design!  Me can color inside line most of time!


A-Gang...Precision through BRUTE FORCE!

[ddklbl]

This thread fails to deliver. I was really looking forward to this thread entertaining me well into February.

Moored Training Shipmate, please...

I'll deliver with a zinger in February just for you.

Smileys, shipmate, lest you want them to think you are serious.   

Back on topic, in retrospect, I wish had picked NAV or COMM ET.  Their only major concern was who was stealing the CAT5 cables when the gaming nerds would have a wow party with numerous unauthorized XBOX connections into the boats LAN.

[Cycoticpenguin]

So when is your re-enlistment again?

Justin

Feb,

[taterhead]

Feb,

the suspense was KILLING me...

Seriously though, good luck, and promise that you will blow that money on a fast car and a premium entertainment center that you will never be able to use because you are at sea...

[nukemdukem]

I hear that ET's reenlistment bonus is the highest out of all the ratings and they advance the fastest.  Though I hear MM's are the only ones who can become ELT.  Which is better?  ELT or advancing ET?  I am in the dark here so please shed some light.  I am not sure what I would enjoy the most.  So I just want to know which is the most overall rewarding. 

Thanks!

[taterhead]

Well, those reenlistment multiple figures change every year, but I will tell you that surface MM's (non-ELT) max out for zones B and C.  ET's have the highest zone A I think.

You can advance quickly in any rating.  Most folks of all rates can pick up first class by their 5 year point (assuming they reenlist at their 2 year mark). 

All of this to go back and say that everything is cyclic.  The rate advancing quickly today is not likely the one to be advancing quickly in 2 or 3 years.  In 2002, they were advancing 80-90% of MM's to First Class.  Today?  Somewhere around 30% I think.  It will spike again in a few years.  Cycles.

Pick which one sounds better and go with it.  Really.  It's all the same.

[PWHoppe]

I hear that ET's reenlistment bonus is the highest out of all the ratings and they advance the fastest.  Though I hear MM's are the only ones who can become ELT.  Which is better?  ELT or advancing ET?  I am in the dark here so please shed some light.  I am not sure what I would enjoy the most.  So I just want to know which is the most overall rewarding. 

Thanks!

Start by checking this out and then go to the forum: Navy Getting In and look at the various discussions of the many types of jobs (rates) available. Thank you for your service and Good Luck!

http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,10692.0.html#top

BTW whichever rate you choose Go Subs

[nukemdukem]

Start by checking this out and then go to the forum: Navy Getting In and look at the various discussions of the many types of jobs (rates) available. Thank you for your service and Good Luck!

http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,10692.0.html#top

BTW whichever rate you choose Go Subs

I just finished reading that thread.  Seems like they are all the same...  I honestly have no idea which one I want.  I like to be hands-on.  I am very spatial and visual.  You tell me.

[nukemdukem]

I like being given a problem and allowed to troubleshoot it.  I like fixing mechanical things and electrical(not much experience to really say I love it).  I will probably go into civilian work post-navy.  So what will set me up for the highest-paying job afterwards?  I want a challenge.  I don't like doing anything if it isn't the damn hardest thing to possibly do.  Though paper work I hate. 

"Hey Nuke!"

"Yea?"

"Re-design me a reactor."

" OOOK!"

[nukemdukem]

Yes well out of the 3 ratings what would relate to my interests the most?

I understand where a Nuke stands.

[PWHoppe]

I swear that boys going to be an ET.

A definate twidget

[nukemdukem]

heh nice to see a lighter side to you.  I appreciate everyone's input even if I seem hard-headed.  I just want to plan it out as much as possible and then let it play out. 
oh and all my friends are in college(out of town) and I quit drinking(which always leads to a fun time) due to me eating a truck load during that period which hinders my fitness goals.  Plus the horrid stomach ache the next day.  Soooo here I lay. 

[nukemdukem]

yea well with the fake eggs and all i doubt i will be eating hardy.

[Fermi2]

I like being given a problem and allowed to troubleshoot it.  I like fixing mechanical things and electrical(not much experience to really say I love it).  I will probably go into civilian work post-navy.  So what will set me up for the highest-paying job afterwards?  I want a challenge.  I don't like doing anything if it isn't the damn hardest thing to possibly do.  Though paper work I hate. 

"Hey Nuke!"

"Yea?"

"Re-design me a reactor."

" OOOK!"

Get qualified first NUB.

Mike

[taterhead]

A definate twidget

yeah he asks way too many questions to be an MM.   
I went in to the classifier and asked "Which rate goes to the fleet first?"  He said, "MM",  and I said "Sign me up."

[mlslstephens]

heh nice to see a lighter side to you.  I appreciate everyone's input even if I seem hard-headed.  I just want to plan it out as much as possible and then let it play out. 
oh and all my friends are in college(out of town) and I quit drinking(which always leads to a fun time) due to me eating a truck load during that period which hinders my fitness goals.  Plus the horrid stomach ache the next day.  Soooo here I lay. 

You seem like a nice guy who is desperately seeking advice.  I see so many guys/gals in the rate that doesn't necessarily fit them so I can understand your concerns.  So, I truly want to help you...I promise, no more bow tie, Turkish prison comments.

Listen to Jason,

Again, re-evaluate your options.  You will not be Designing (or Re-Designing) anything to do with the Rx/Steam Plant.  Okay.  Got it yet?

seriously consider what it is that makes you happy and then reread the posts regarding the different rates.  Then, stop thinking about how much money you want to make in the civilian world unless you want to go straight into the civilian industry.  Please don't join the Navy to make tons of money.  Don't get me wrong, the Navy pay isn't bad, it is adequate.

Then reread this entire thread that you started back on Jan. 14 and sift through the BS.  There is a lot of good advice included here. 

Finally, enjoy your time not worrying about quals because once you come aboard, then all you will hear for a while is "get hot NUB, you're dink"

Good luck,
X

[nukemdukem]

Will do.

[JustinHEMI05]

Feb,

*SIGH* Good luck to you!

Justin

[Cycoticpenguin]

I hear that ET's reenlistment bonus is the highest out of all the ratings and they advance the fastest.  Though I hear MM's are the only ones who can become ELT.  Which is better?  ELT or advancing ET?  I am in the dark here so please shed some light.  I am not sure what I would enjoy the most.  So I just want to know which is the most overall rewarding. 

Thanks!

ET's and MM's will make the same amount of money reenlisting this year. ELT's and EM's are kinda screwed with a 5.5 multiplier. Im going to make 90k (same as an ET) whereas EM's and ELT's (surface anyway) make ~38k.

Your choice of rate should NOT be based on SRB's. Also, you dont really get to choose to be an ELT. They will pick you in prototype if you fit the bill for them. If you get MM, DONT count on ELT. I have a friend who got a 3.8 in A school (really damn good), a 3.8 in Power school (AMAZINGLY good), and rocked prototype pretty well. he did NOT get offered ANYTHING. He probably could have went officer no problemo.

Search up MM, because thats the best odds you have of getting.

[JustinHEMI05]

ET's and MM's will make the same amount of money reenlisting this year. ELT's and EM's are kinda screwed with a 5.5 multiplier. Im going to make 90k (same as an ET) whereas EM's and ELT's (surface anyway) make ~38k.

Your choice of rate should NOT be based on SRB's. Also, you dont really get to choose to be an ELT. They will pick you in prototype if you fit the bill for them. If you get MM, DONT count on ELT. I have a friend who got a 3.8 in A school (really damn good), a 3.8 in Power school (AMAZINGLY good), and rocked prototype pretty well. he did NOT get offered ANYTHING. He probably could have went officer no problemo.

Search up MM, because thats the best odds you have of getting.

Funny, thats what my starting salary as a NUB is this year. Glad I don't have to spread it over many years.

Justin

[ddklbl]

that's just cold,....

as the truth most often is...

[JustinHEMI05]

as the truth most often is...

Indeed.

Justin

[Cycoticpenguin]

Funny, thats what my starting salary as a NUB is this year. Glad I don't have to spread it over many years.

Justin

good for you what was YOUR bonus when YOU reenlisted (if you did)? Im just jealous -.-

[JustinHEMI05]

good for you what was YOUR bonus when YOU reenlisted (if you did)? Im just jealous -.-

Half of what they pay now.

Justin

[ddklbl]

Half of what they pay now.

Justin

Which was still 10x what they gave 10 years prior.  SRB's aren't the answer.  Another thread.  Another bottle of scotch.

[RodBottom]

Indeed.

Justin

You are my hero. I was going to make a snide comment but you beat me to it bud.  I still have some discontent waiting to be shared.

[JustinHEMI05]

You are my hero. I was going to make a snide comment but you beat me to it bud.  I still have some discontent waiting to be shared.

LOL sorry. Wanna answer my PM?

Justin