Hey guys, I have a few questions about the Nuclear Field and was hoping I could get some feedback. Sorry if these questions have already been answered in other threads, I've been doing some research and know most of what I'm getting in to, but there are just a couple more things. Let me give you some background info first:
I just graduated high school 3 weeks ago, and made the decision to enlist in the Navy. Scoring a 96 on my ASVAB, my recruiter highly recommended becoming a Nuke. I still had to take the NAPT, scored a 65, and completed my physical at MEPS last week. Right now I'm about 80% positive I want to be a Nuke, but I want to get all of my inquiries out of the way before swearing in.
1. I understand that you don't get to choose your rating, with the whole "needs of the Navy" thing. My preference is ET, EM, MM. Mostly because I was told that ET has the best civilian career opportunities after I get out. Is there any truth to this? I know all three ratings give good job opportunities afterwards, but does one rating have a higher demand in the civilian world than the other two?
2. I also understand that you don't get to choose your orders after Nuke school, but you do get to fill out your "dream sheet" in Prototype. Personally, I would love to be stationed on the USS George Washington (CVN-73), living in Japan for the time I serve in the Navy. It is the only carrier I would really want to be on (I do not want to be on a submarine). I heard that I would have good chances to get stationed there because most people would prefer to be stationed in the US. Does anyone know if I actually do have a good chance of being stationed there, or should I not get my hopes up?
3. My recruiter told me about a site online for Navy personnel to apply for orders posted nine months in advance. Is this your "dream sheet", or something else? And if it is something else, does it impact your order any more than your dream sheet does?
4. I have been told that by the time I finish Prototype, I will be close to getting my BS degree. But in a booklet I read about NF, it says I will be a few credits short of an Associates degree. Which one is it?
5. Pertaining to Nuke's paygrade, I was told that I start as an E-3 (which I know to be true), become an E-4 after A-school, and an E-5 after prototype. But the same booklet says I only make it to E-4. Can anyone clarify?
6. Lastly, I was wondering if there are other ratings in the Navy that are just as beneficial as the Nuclear Field. By beneficial, I mean in and after the Navy. If so, then what ratings might they be?
Again, sorry if these questions have already been answered. I do not mean to waste your time. I have been doing research, mostly via search engine, and just recently started exploring this site. I've been exploring around a couple of hours each day. Also, sorry for asking questions about things that I half-know. I discovered a couple of things that my recruiter told me were actually lies, so I just feel like I need clarification from other voices. If you guys could help me out, that would be great. Thanks
