So I am a staff pick up now.

[wdp74gnt]

What would be the best path you all would recommend? I have the opportunity to take college classes... But I joined the military because I had no idea what I would do in college. I guess I could get general credits out of the way. (Does having a degree as a nuke help a lot?) Are there some type of quals I can get while a staff pick up that will help me later? I want to get as much done now as I can. Also I have heard that quality assurance qualifications do and don't exist in the fleet. (People have told me both things) Which one is true? I am just thinking of how to best spend my time while still at shore.

[Starkist]

Look into getting a degree in nuke tech from thomas edisson state college. They give you a ton of credits, and yes, having a bachelors doesn't hurt anyone.

Last I had heard, they don't let students qual watch supervisor, but that would be one that would help you for the rest of your life if you stay nuclear.

Good luck. Be sure to bug your cheif with these questions too! Congrats!

[Higgs]

I'd spend it getting drunk and laid and backpacking in the Adirondacks, but that's just me.  

[MMM]

Earn MTS certification, which is really just documenting a certain number of training hours, (e.g. check-outs, watches, seminars, etc.), and an advanced training qual (e.g. seminar, TEX, etc.). Also you might consider QAI, it's easier to get the school at NPTU than on a ship.

[Gamecock]

Earn MTS certification, which is really just documenting a certain number of training hours, (e.g. check-outs, watches, seminars, etc.), and an advanced training qual (e.g. seminar, TEX, etc.).

Master Training Specialist instruction changed navy-wide.  It is not easy to get anymore. 

[UCMaster]

EWS is likely out of the question for a staff pickup. QAI qualifications will carry over to your boat/ship as well as SCI/RCI and WCS. Seminar and TEX qualifications always look great on evals, keep in mind those quals are not pleasant and once you're qualified you are likely the only one.

I watched a half dozen people qualify MTS after the navy-wide change, and it is not difficult. I highly regret not doing it and you should definitely get the paperwork. If you message me which prototype you are stationed in I may be able to tell you who to talk to.