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.