SWO(N) vs. NPS Instructor vs. NR Engineer

[john.r.kelly3]

Now I know, there have been several discussions in this field in the past, but my situation has proven to lack experienced voices with my limited point of contacts here.  So I am going to let it out and see what the field from nukeworker.com can provide:

I enlisted in 2003 as a nuke.  After boot camp, I applied for STA-21(N) and was accepted a month into NPS.  I used this opportunity to get a degree in physics from Auburn University and commissioned as a SWO(N).  My first year out to sea was an eventful experience as I went on deployment on a DDG.  But the year did not end so well; I suffered medical issues that have been deemed neurological but with not enough to diagnose the issue.  Therefore, at the moment, I am LIMDU awaiting a med board to make their decision (which is likely to fit me for continuous service).  And with the Force Shaping Authority that could see an end to this career I feel like I just started.

First, I want my advice as how I should approach this on the BUMED side of the house.  Should I push to have them overlook this (I am not seeing any symptoms since placed on medication but still have no diagnosis) so I can continue the career I have or heed to medical issues I inevitably have and accept my probably fate?  Second, since the nuclear program has invested four of the last five years I have spent in the Navy educating me, is there a good chance they would be willing to transfer me to a nuclear-related community like NR Engineering or NPS Instructor?  And last, if so, which one is best?

Thanks for any advice you may have.

[NukeLDO]

Alot of what happens with BUMED depends upon the medication you've been prescribed.  I don't think anyone can answer your specific questions about how to apporach BUMED.  A simple LIMDU scenario due to a surgery, etc. is pretty easy, but with a continuing condition, who knows. 
Hmmm, lets see...NR Engineer=Washington DC
                        NPS Instructor=Charleston, SC
I know which one I would choose.

[Gamecock]

NPS Instructor  --> Best job I ever had in the Navy

I was an Officer Electrical Engineering Instructor from 2004-2006.

[NukeLDO]

NPS Instructor  --> Best job I ever had in the Navy

I don't know Rocky...standing EOOW for ORSE with the plant "crashing" down around you, figuring it out, and recovering, was pretty fun.

[Preciousblue1965]

I don't know Rocky...standing EOOW for ORSE with the plant "crashing" down around you, figuring it out, and recovering, was pretty fun.

Nah the real fun was when the "plant" decided it didn't like the drill set that the ORSE team came up with and figured it would see how well you handle a drill of it's on design.

[Gamecock]

I don't know Rocky...standing EOOW for ORSE with the plant "crashing" down around you, figuring it out, and recovering, was pretty fun.

I was never deemed worthy of being an ORSE EOOW 

[JustinHEMI05]

I don't know Rocky...standing EOOW for ORSE with the plant "crashing" down around you, figuring it out, and recovering, was pretty fun.

My first drill set as EOOW wasn't so fun since right at the beginning, the full bird senior board member screamed at me at the top of his lungs "P.O. LOSE THE GUM!" I was done after that for the most part. I forgot the "no gum during orse" rule. 

Justin

[NukeLDO]

Nah the real fun was when the "plant" decided it didn't like the drill set that the ORSE team came up with and figured it would see how well you handle a drill of it's on design.

Absolutely!
It was also nice to be able to tell the senior board member that you were not going to allow the next drill to be conducted until you had taken care of the plant or you would be combatting a real casualty....then getting into the argument with the Engineer that "you aren't allowed to tell the Board what they can and can't do."

[War Eagle]

then getting into the argument with the Engineer that "you aren't allowed to tell the Board what they can and can't do."

Wow, how far did that ENG get? I would love to see an EOOW with the cojones to say that (oh, and be right).

[JustinHEMI05]

Wow, how far did that ENG get? I would love to see an EOOW with the cojones to say that (oh, and be right).

Although not to the level of telling the ORSE board to wait, I have a personal anecdote that I think is funny and I like telling. 

This was back on my boat in EWS quals, where my skipper at the time required and encouraged EWS's to stand EOOW during a drill set. I have heard some people won't let you do that, and it is a shame. Anyway, there we were doing my drill set when we had to do a scram/ fast recovery. As I am sure it is true for most CO's, mine really liked bugging the EOOW over the 7MC during drills and it was no different for me. In the middle of getting ready to start the fast recovery and preparing my report to CONN;

CO 7MC: "Maneuvering, Captain, report status of the reactor."
ME 7MC: "Captain, Maneuvering, Wait."

CO CONN (as reported to me by others): "Wait!? WAIT!? He is there, he just has to tell me!"

ENG Maneuvering: "You just told the Captain to wait!!!"

ME Maneuvering: "I am busy and just want to figure out what I want to say."

I made the report literally less than 30 seconds later.

Anyway, on the way to the debrief the skipper gave me a smile and a nod and said "I am impressed that you aren't afraid to tell me to wait to gather your thoughts and make an accurate report. Most new EOOWs will fumble f**k what they have to say to me, and so I continue to hound them."

So in the end, it worked out for me. 

Justin

[NukeLDO]

Of course I was right     ...and the STG-O and OIC supported me.  Either I take care of this issue, or when you run the next drill that puts water in that tank, there will be a real spill in AMR.
I don't mind being graded on a real casualty (been there, done that and got an excellent on the scram and subsequent fast recovery), but I can't see sitting back knowing its going to happen, and letting it.

[JustinHEMI05]

Of course I was right     ...and the STG-O and OIC supported me.  Either I take care of this issue, or when you run the next drill that puts water in that tank, there will be a real spill in AMR.
I don't mind being graded on a real casualty (been there, done that and got an excellent on the scram and subsequent fast recovery), but I can't see sitting back knowing its going to happen, and letting it.

Well played! Confidence is key!

Justin

[War Eagle]

Of course I was right    

I never doubted you were right    I just envision some NUB LTjg trying that crap and going down in a flaming ball of suck.

[bigjer25]

I was in your shoes, on a sub.  Did the whole Medboard issue, and all that crap.  Ended up going EDO.  SERIOUSLY check it out.  Do you want a free masters degree?
Never go to sea again?  Then this may be for you. I have 12 years in ( officer and enlisted) and this is the best deal I could have hoped for.  Godd luck with the medboard.