The Brass Ring

[nubnavydad]

Hi Everybody, First of all I would like to thank you all for your service to both our nation, and to folks like me who have questions about the program.
I have been blessed with an absolutely wonderful son. He is a hard worker, with a great attitude. He never takes shortcuts, and always wants to do the right thing. He has chosen to serve our country, and is in DEP as an EM, and I couldn't be any prouder of him.
The thing that I'm worried about is he's not really the fastest learner. He was an OK student in HS. He is reaching out for that brass ring, but what happens if he doesn't make it?
I have heard everything from he defaults back to a conventional EM and enters the fleet, to getting washed out to a boatswains mate.
What happens if he can't make it as a nuke?

[Khak-Hater]

I wouldn't worry about failure.  One thing that I always liked about the Navy Nuke program is that it's more of a pump than a filter.  This isn't one of those "elite" military units that prides itself on being the "best of the best" by failing people out or pressuring them to drop out.  I never got the impression that they were trying to weed anyone out.  Their emphasis is on making sure that everyone knows exactly what they need to know.  If he does what they tell him, buckles down, and studies hard, he'll make it through.  It may not always be pleasant, but a good attitude goes a lot farther than a quick study.   

It's more about effort and mental endurance than it is about being smart.  I knew guys who breezed through NNPS, but had a hard time with NPTU.  I knew guys who struggled in NNPS, but breezed through NPTU.  I knew guys who struggled through both, but were great workers once they got to the fleet.  Conversely, I knew guys who breezed through both, but were terrible screwups once they got to the fleet.  I always found that it takes all kinds of men to put the ship to sea, and that diversity among skills and talents are not only valuable, but valued by the Navy Nuke program.  If he works hard and stays out of trouble, then he'll have that brass ring [but bring lots of Brasso because it tarnishes easily].

Good luck to you and your son,

mgm

[nubnavydad]

Thank You for the support. If all it really takes is hard work, and a good attitude, he won't have a problem at all.
My concerns lie with physics and calc. It seems like an awful lot of advanced concepts, coming very quickly.
I keep telling myself that the Navy knows what its doing. They wouldn't admit him if he couldn't succeed, Right? I guess I just worry too much.

[john.r.kelly3]

In 2004, I remember taking calculus as an enlisted sailor, but it was a more conceptual form.  In other words, we talked about what calculus is but were never expected to solve derivatives and integrals. 

As far as the program goes, I walked into it as a big jock who just wanted to serve his country but did not feel I was nuke material.  The school taught me how to study effectively and revealed my potential.  Before I know it, I'm pulled out midway through NPS to go the officer route instead.  It turned me from an English/Kinesiology major in my first college to an honors physics student at Auburn University who teaches the subject as a teaching assistant/tutor. 

What I am suggesting is that if your son walks into it with motivation and an optimistic attitude, it will do nothing but good for him.   Not only is the knowledge itself useful, it will teach him how to handle stress, study effectively, and reveal potential he never thought he ever had.

God bless his endeavors and we thank him for choosing to serve this great country!

[dagiffy]

Thank You for the support. If all it really takes is hard work, and a good attitude, he won't have a problem at all.
My concerns lie with physics and calc. It seems like an awful lot of advanced concepts, coming very quickly.
I keep telling myself that the Navy knows what its doing. They wouldn't admit him if he couldn't succeed, Right? I guess I just worry too much.

I went in out of high school. No physics, no chemistry, no math outside of beginning algebra. Never dreamed of taking calculus. I was a 2.8 student. The first I ever encountered anything in the sciences was a nuke school, and it came fast and furious. I struggled the whole way through, usually mando 30 or 35 hours study a week, and finished in Aug of 1985 with a 3.003 average, at the middle of the class. I was bottom fourth or so in NPTU. If I can do it, anyone can do it.

[Cycoticpenguin]

haha I sound like a broken record here -> the navy is what you make of it. I have a few friends who are "washed up nukes" and they are going strong and well in navy as conventionals of their respective rate, or cross rated. If your son works hard and genuinely tries hard, they are more or less taken care of pretty well.

[nubnavydad]

Wow Guys, Thanks for all of the great replies. I know in my heart that my son will do his absolute best for himself, his family, and all of us in this wonderful country.
As for me... I'm sure that I'll still worry about him, but I guess that's what all dads do.
Just for everyones information, he's hoping for a fast attack sub after he graduates.

[proud dad]

Right? I guess I just worry too much.

That is our job,one we have proudly held from day one.
 Please thank him from all of us for his future service.
 Spend a few moments reading "navy nuke terms" if you think the last few years trying to figure out teen lingo was tough,wait untill he comes home after prototype and speaks navy nuke.
Alan

[nubnavydad]

Thanks Alan, I've taken a look at those terms that you mentioned. All I can think is . And I thought texting was weird.
I can't wait to hear him speaking "Navy Nuke". I will be just as proud of him, as he will be proud of himself when he graduates. I may not understand what he's saying, but I'll enjoy hearing him say it.

[proud dad]

 Has your son shiped out yet?
  Alan

[nubnavydad]

No, He hasn't left yet. He reports to Great Lakes on July 15. He's anxious to get underway.
I'm starting to realize that I'm more worried about me, than I am him. He's my youngest, my only son, and my best buddy all rolled into one package.
He seems to be gaining more confidence everyday, and I'm gaining more confidence in him. I couldn't be any more proud.
I do need to thank all of you on this site. It's taught me a lot. 

[deltarho]

 

[Wareal]

Three years ago I was in your shoes.  1/3/06 my only child arrived at Great Lakes for boot Camp.  My son is an intelligent young man, however, he had some significant motivational challenges coming out of high school (I'm thinking apple-tree analogy here).  He was a completely different person at PIR (3/3/06) and after.  "A" school (ET) in Charleston was an adjustment, however, he made it through somewhere in the top 1/3, if memory serves.  My son found his stride in Power School missing honors by less than 1/10 of a point.  He went to Ballston Spa for Prototype where he became the first in his class to qualify.  He then "volunteered" for SPU and is still in Ballston Spa on staff today. 

My son is making his third attempt at STA-21 this year.  If he is accepted, things change dramatically:

1. Nuke is not one of his preferences--his job will be very different.

2. He goes to college, gets a degree, and becomes an officer (God willin' and the creek don't rise).

If he is not accepted STA-21, sometime around June 2010 he goes to the fleet (sub vol) and finishes his commitment.  There are no bad choices for those who serve as Nukes and do their jobs well.  At the same time they can  use the Navy for any and all opportunities available.

I never served, but I believe the Navy Nuke community is an elite group that deserve respect and gratitude.  Yes, they are special.  Not everyone can be a Navy Nuke.  The veterans on this board earned the right to complain that it was hard, that the working conditions were bad, and that the pay was bad.  None of them say they made a mistake becoming a Nuke.  I can only surmise that there are significant intangible benefits for Nukes--self confidence and self reliance to name a few.

I received an email from my son today that contained the following:

"...Found a student's blog that gives a fairly accurate account of both Power school and Prototype if you're curious. http://swordvspen.blogspot.com/2008/08/power-school-rundown.html


You can read about prototype if you look for the link on the right hand side. Keep in mind it's from the perspective of a student and they don't have anything to do or be worried about except getting qualified. Overall it's a very articulate description of the training aspect of my job.

The only difference is that we don't have T-week anymore or its "glorious" 4 day weekend."

Hope this helps.


 
         

[nubnavydad]

Hi everybody, I just wanted to say the time has arrived. I dropped Frank off at the recruiters office a few hours ago. He reports to Great Lakes tomorrow.
It sure does feel weird to just hand my boy off to someone else to take care of. I miss him already. The next time I see him, he'll be a man. No longer a recruit, but a sailor. I know he'll do fine in boot camp. He knows everything he needs to know, and he's physically prepared.
I just wanted to use this time to say Thank You to everyone here at Nukeworker. You've given me a much better understanding of what's going to happen after he gets to Charleston.

[Wanna Know Mom]

Hi everybody, I just wanted to say the time has arrived. I dropped Frank off at the recruiters office a few hours ago. He reports to Great Lakes tomorrow.
It sure does feel weird to just hand my boy off to someone else to take care of. I miss him already. The next time I see him, he'll be a man. No longer a recruit, but a sailor. I know he'll do fine in boot camp. He knows everything he needs to know, and he's physically prepared.
I just wanted to use this time to say Thank You to everyone here at Nukeworker. You've given me a much better understanding of what's going to happen after he gets to Charleston.

Good luck to the both of you.  +Karma to you for raising a fine young man and being such a supportive Navy parent.  I have been thru what you are about to experience.  Believe it or not, time will fly by and he will emerge from the pipeline unscathed. If you have any Navy parent type questions fire away.

Kathy VPNNM

[Samabby]

If possible, try to attend his PIR @ Great Lakes. Very moving, especially for we " rents  ".  9 months later, try to go to his Power School grad down @ Goose Creek.  After that, you won't see much of him, but he will glad to get to the fleet and practise his craft. 

Feel free to PM me, fellow Dad.

[nubnavydad]

Just a quick update for my friends here at nukeworker. I just got back from PIR a couple of hours ago. My son is a sailor now. (I say that with pride). I know that his life in the Navy is only beginning, but so far he loves it. He looks great and aside from some lingering effects of the Ricky Crud he feels great.
Unfortunately he didn't get the rate he wanted (EM) but he's quite satisfied getting MM. It was also difficult only getting about 45 minutes with him before he had to go report for his trip to Goose Creek, but I guess that's the Navy. I'd better get used to it.
So its off to the pipeline he goes, and I'll be with him every step of the way. I guess in a way he'll be taking a part of you past nukes with him too, as he tries to live up to the standards that his predecessors have set.
Bravo Zulu to him, and many thanks to all of you.

[Preciousblue1965]

Just a quick update for my friends here at nukeworker. I just got back from PIR a couple of hours ago. My son is a sailor now. (I say that with pride). I know that his life in the Navy is only beginning, but so far he loves it. He looks great and aside from some lingering effects of the Ricky Crud he feels great.
Unfortunately he didn't get the rate he wanted (EM) but he's quite satisfied getting MM. It was also difficult only getting about 45 minutes with him before he had to go report for his trip to Goose Creek, but I guess that's the Navy. I'd better get used to it.
So its off to the pipeline he goes, and I'll be with him every step of the way. I guess in a way he'll be taking a part of you past nukes with him too, as he tries to live up to the standards that his predecessors have set.
Bravo Zulu to him, and many thanks to all of you.

The fact he got MM just boosted his IQ by at least 10%.  If he can avoid the temptations of ELT, he should be able to keep that extra 10% he gained in the first place.

Ok cue the ELT vs. MMs snide comments and other friendly banter. 

[EasyLivin]

Unfortunately he didn't get the rate he wanted (EM) but he's quite satisfied getting MM.

He will learn over time that he is actually fortunate to be an MM. 

[itsaparent]

Congratulations, you are rightfully proud, and will only be prouder as the months go on.
Only 45 minutes?  OUCH    OK, go that out of my system...   You are right, that is the military.

[Wanna Know Mom]

Congratulations from another Navy parent.   Your user name needs a little bit of an update....how about navydad??   and then we'll be looking for navynukedad 15 months from now.
kathy VPNNM

[deltarho]

The fact he got MM just boosted his IQ by at least 10%.  If he can avoid the temptations of ELT, he should be able to keep that extra 10% he gained in the first place.

Ok cue the ELT vs. MMs snide comments and other friendly banter. 

Didn't you misspeak? Didn't you mean that he raised the average IQ of MMs past and present by 10%?

[nubnavydad]

I'd like to take this space to congratulate the new petty officers graduating from school today. (My son is one of them) I wish all of them the best on their travels down the pipeline.
I would also like to thank my friends here at nukeworker. Reading the posts and replies have informed me of what my son is going through, and what is on the horizon. Thanks

[Marlin]

Didn't you misspeak? Didn't you mean that he raised the average IQ of MMs past and present by 10%?

In that case he is clearly destined to become an ELT.  

Ok cue the ELT vs. MMs snide comments and other friendly banter. 

Glad to oblige. 

[Marlin]

I'd like to take this space to congratulate the new petty officers graduating from school today. (My son is one of them) I wish all of them the best on their travels down the pipeline.
I would also like to thank my friends here at nukeworker. Reading the posts and replies have informed me of what my son is going through, and what is on the horizon. Thanks

Congratulations to your son and you.

[itsaparent]

Congratulations to you both.

[proud dad]

             
 Congratulations to the new Petty Officer.
 Every step compleated,from the first day of school,junior prom,drivers licence,RTC and A-school graduation and beond gives us as parents a good warm feeling inside.It confurmes that,yes, we did an ok job.
 Congratulations to the parents of the new Petty Officer.
 Alan

[Wanna Know Mom]

BZ to your MM3 and you too, nubnavydad. That brass ring is well within his reach.
Kathy VPNNM                         

[number41]

As a fairly recent Navy Pipeline instructor, I have to agree with MARSSIM.......your son needs to have a never say die attitude.  You'd be surprised how clueless you can be as a nuke if you're willing to work hard and ask for help if you need it.  You really don't have to be a genious to operate a navy plant, but you do need to be willing to work hard.   That said, if your son makes it thru EM A-School, he should be able to head to the fleet as an electrician regardless of his progress thru power school or prototype.  Sometimes, students who don't make it are offered the opportunity to trian for another job, but that's mostly a funtion of "needs of the Navy." 

[liam]

As a fairly recent Navy Pipeline instructor, I have to agree with MARSSIM.......your son needs to have a never say die attitude.  You'd be surprised how clueless you can be as a nuke if you're willing to work hard and ask for help if you need it.  You really don't have to be a genious to operate a navy plant, but you do need to be willing to work hard.   That said, if your son makes it thru EM A-School, he should be able to head to the fleet as an electrician regardless of his progress thru power school or prototype.  Sometimes, students who don't make it are offered the opportunity to trian for another job, but that's mostly a funtion of "needs of the Navy." 

Back in the seventies the only clueless nukes were called officers.   BTW, spellchecker does work in case we need to trian a new genious to funtion.

[nubnavydad]

Wow! I just noticed that it's just over 1 year since I started this thread. It's kind of amazing how much I've learned about Navy Nukes in that time.
Last year my son was a nervous kid, DEP'd into the Navy as an EM. Now he's graduated Boot Camp, and A school, and is anxiously awaiting Power School in G.C. He's a happy and confident MM and wannabe SMAG.
If all it takes is a "never quit" attitude, then he's got it made. Unlike some others I've seen on these boards, nothing has come easy for him. He's had to fight for every success. He does everything the "right way" even when it's hard, and holds himself to the highest level of integrity. He will make a fine nuke... as long as he can pass the academics.
I have seen a few post by others that will be in his graduating class. I feel confident that they to will do whatever they can to assist their classmates. It seems like a great group of sailors.
Once again I want to offer my thanks to the contributers here at Nukeworker. You guys may no longer be in the Navy, but you continue to teach the future generations, (and their parents)of the realities of being a nuke.

[JustinHEMI05]

Hey thanks for the update! Congratulations to you and your son, and please keep us posted! Maybe he can join and share his experiences and advice for the benefit of others. Although all have something to contribute, I believe that those that have to really bust their butts and are successful because of it, have things to contribute that are of more value to more people. A guy that just breezes through can't relate most of the people seeking help here.

[nubnavydad]

Hi Everyone, Just a quick update. My son made it through comps in power school yesterday. I would like to say that with hard work and determination he made it with ease, but I would be lying. He had to bust his hump just to make it through. The math was a killer.
I would like to take this space to both congratulate all of the sailors graduating on Friday, and to thank the staff and teachers in Goose Creek who helped him to succeed.
Now it's off to Ballston Spa to continue his education.
I'll continue reading here to continue mine. Thanks All.

[IPREGEN]

Congrats to him. Prototype should be easier, at least I thought so. There is a logic to the way the Navy teaches the program and it works.

[Wanna Know Mom]

Congratulations to your son and thank you for being a supportive Navy parent. 
Kathy VPNNM

[Frogman164]

nubnavydad: Congrats to your son (I am still in DEP happily enjoying my time left-thanks for a parents perspective I can only imagine how my folks feel on the inside), wish him well in prototype and the fleet. Has he made any hopes for a certain home port?

[Wareal]

Congratulations!  Your son should enjoy Ballston Spa.  My son was born and raised in Virginia, but, he thoroughly enjoyed the 2.5 years he lived in NY.  Great place to visit!

[Jechtm]

I start Power school WEDNESDAY, SO EXCITED
 I was on grad duty during your son's ceremony how cool is that!

[nubnavydad]

I have to say that Power School graduation was a great experience. If there are parents checking here I would recommend it highly. I found it to be large enough to be a really big deal, yet small enough to be individualized. I enjoyed it more than boot camp graduation.
Spending the weekend with my son (his 21st. birthday weekend) was great. Charleston is a beautiful place to visit. It seemed that everywhere we went, his classmates were there with their parents. It also seems that nukes are a pretty close knit bunch. Everyone appeared friendly, and genuinely happy for each other.
Bravo Zulu to class 1003, and I wish the best of luck to those that follow.

[NHSparky]

I start Power school WEDNESDAY, SO EXCITED
 I was on grad duty during your son's ceremony how cool is that!

Hmmmm...I was a little more excited on the night of the Comp.  But hey, that's just me.  Then again, I started NPS about the same time of year you did (8801).  That meant I was missing winter in Idaho.  That would be pretty exciting.

But seriously, good luck.

[nubnavydad]

Well... Now I guess we'll find out the hard way. What happens when you reach for that brass ring... and fall.
My son has struggled with the academics from A school forward. He put in so many extra hours, and so much effort. Everyone in his COC knew how bad he wanted to be a nuke. Unfortunately he failed his 100% test for the second time. I got the call last night, He's a nuke no longer. He made it all the way through to grad week in prototype, and it's over.
His disappointment is huge, and I feel his hurt. All we can do now is hope that the Navy has something decent for him, somewhere.

[Gamecock]

Well... Now I guess we'll find out the hard way. What happens when you reach for that brass ring... and fall.
My son has struggled with the academics from A school forward. He put in so many extra hours, and so much effort. Everyone in his COC knew how bad he wanted to be a nuke. Unfortunately he failed his 100% test for the second time. I got the call last night, He's a nuke no longer. He made it all the way through to grad week in prototype, and it's over.
His disappointment is huge, and I feel his hurt. All we can do now is hope that the Navy has something decent for him, somewhere.

There really is no shame in failing if you can look yourself in the mirror and know that you gave it your all.

What was is rate?

If he is a MM, sub volunteer, he's likely headed to a submarine school in Groton, CT then to a submarine to join the Auxiliary division...."A Gang"
If he is a MM, non-sub-vol, he could end up anywhere in the surface fleet.  
Same for EM/ET also.

Regardless, I wish your son "Fair Winds, and Following Seas" as he closes one chapter of life, and opens another. 

[MacGyver]

Well... Now I guess we'll find out the hard way. What happens when you reach for that brass ring... and fall.
My son has struggled with the academics from A school forward. He put in so many extra hours, and so much effort. Everyone in his COC knew how bad he wanted to be a nuke. Unfortunately he failed his 100% test for the second time. I got the call last night, He's a nuke no longer. He made it all the way through to grad week in prototype, and it's over.
His disappointment is huge, and I feel his hurt. All we can do now is hope that the Navy has something decent for him, somewhere.

In my day the Navy Nuke Want'ta'be's that failed out (re: trying like the world depended on it) got the better end of the deal.

I would have been deflated if I hadn't made it.  But, those that didn't make it quickly cheered up when they saw the good deal's in their future.  We had a majority re-strike their rate's.  And they got something more to their liking.  The rest of us got to be a Navy Nuke.  It was the short straw if you ask me (i.e qualifying navy nuke).  This is only for those that busted their butts.  The slackers and degenerates got coal in their stockings.

As an example we had a number of the NNPP drop-outs (again, due to academics) that re-struck, re-struck for Dog Handler / K-9 (jobs).  They even got awarded an opportunity to NEVER go to SEA.  Again, in hind-sight they got the better deal.  I got to be a navy nuke.  Time and time again I wonder how I managed to convience myself I got the better deal.  Especially knowing I did not in fact get the better deal.

Just saying ...    ... Keep an eye on him until he finally comes to this realization.

Mac

[nubnavydad]

Thank You for the insight G.C. He is an M.M. and a sub vol. If they send him to Groton to be a conventional M.M. he will be pleased.
We're keeping our fingers crossed.

[Gamecock]

Thank You for the insight G.C. He is an M.M. and a sub vol. If they send him to Groton to be a conventional M.M. he will be pleased.
We're keeping our fingers crossed.

Submarine School is in Groton.....

The submarine he goes to could be some place else.

[drayer54]

Just saying ...    ... Keep an eye on him until he finally comes to this realization.

This was great advice and a solid point. Regardless of what he says, he is surely stressed right now. Comp time in any of the pipeline schools is usually stressful already.

Good point on how they usually get taken care of.