So I have been looking through the forums on here for the last few days along with GOOGLE and I can't really find a situation like mine so I wanted to post and see if any of the retired Navy nukes have some advice on which direction I should take. (Or anyone else for that matter). Currently in Groton, CT graduated prototype in September and got orders here as a submarine electrician. While checking in with squadron medical, they were going over my record and saw that I had a head injury in late 2011. It happened in a-school and I was on hold for a couple months before being put back to FFD and completing the pipeline with no hiccups. Upon further review and a long conversation with the UMO, a waiver package was submitted for both submarine service and nuclear field duty. Apparently the UMO in Charleston should have done this in the first place instead on letting me transfer to Prototype. Waiver came back Friday and the head injury was disqualifying for both subs and nuclear field duty. Nuke can be wavered after two years symptom free (which will be the case this December )
So the waiver was put in to be processed for the month of December, so if I can get it waived I will be re rated to a surface nuke em and go on with my life and finish out my enlistment. However, with the military downsizing I want to be ready for anything, and wanted to see what my options could be with completing prototype and being in almost three years. I plan on trying to take as many clept exams while sitting here waiting for the waiver to be processed. But do I have a realistic opportunity for a NLO position if I'm competing with 6,8,10 year guys/girls with experience? The entire reason I joined the navy was to be a nuke and open up opportunities for myself and my family, and this whole thing is throwing a wrench in my original plan so I'm just looking for opinions on what some experienced people in the industry would suggest. If I do end up getting separated I want to at least be pointed in the right direction. I have a good mechanical background and I'm willing to put in the work and the time, just looking for some advice in the current economy. Thanks in advance, I appreciate the help!