My husband is thinking about applying for the navy, but we have several questions that we just can't seem to find answers to, many of which our recruiter won’t answer straightly to.
1. If he were to go in as an enlisted nuke and completes all the courses (nuke school and prototype?), is all the time afterwards that his contract is still going to be in effect, going to be spent out at sea? I've found where in certain cases people will go off for officer's training if they did exceedingly well, but haven't found anything for the "average" nuke.
2. He was thinking of going to college through the navy, getting a degree, and then going in as an officer. Is it possible to do this in tandem with the nuke program? I'm thinking it might be where he goes to school, then nuke school, then officer's school, then out to sea. If that is possible, how long will his stay out at sea be?
3. How often will he be able to come home once he's out at sea? About how many days/weeks could I expect to see him out of the year?
4. What are the navy's policies with how we keep in contact while he is out at sea? Will we he able to call or better yet, will be able to IM with a webcam? How about snail mail? Would I be allowed to send him packages from home, too? What would the limitations on any gifts I sent him be?
5. How much of an option will he be given over which branch of nuke he goes into?
6. I understand that he likely wouldn't be able to attend the birth of our child if I find that I'm pregnant and he's already been sent overseas. But what would likely happen then in that case? If he wanted to go home for paternity leave, what would he have to do? What would the circumstances be in which his leave was approved or denied?
7. It’s very likely that while he’s out, I may end up living in military housing. What are the policies there in concerns to curfew, pets, and visitors? Would I be able to share the house with someone who is a very good friend of ours, but not directly related to us?
8. If the navy paid to move me to the base as well, would they be willing to also transport any pets for me, too? Are there any limitations to what they will and will not move?
Any and all advise is very much appreciated! Thank you so much!