If things haven't changed drastically in the last 3 years (I retired in December 2011 from the THEODORE ROOSEVELT in RCOH), here's how RCOH for Nukes works:
- Every Nuke, except ELTs, goes to BNEQ (Basic Nuclear Engineering Qualification) first in RT (Reactor Training). There they learn the basics of all the plant systems, complete with written tests and oral boards.
- After qualifying BNEQ, sailors will be sent to their parent divisions. There, they will be assigned to whatever duties the DIVO/LCPO/LPO decide. Shutdown watchstation qualifications will happen as well.
- For steaming watchstations, the qualification program was completed in several phases. Each phase is based on what condition the plant is in as RCOH moves along. While on the ROOSEVELT, we sent small groups (usually less than 10), along with a First Class or a Chief, out to sea on an operational carrier for that ship's underway periods. I think we also ended up sending several of them on deployment with some of the other carriers. This allowed them a chance to stand steaming under-instruction watches on an operational plant. Startups and shutdowns were also something we were able to coordinate observing. Lots of communication between the operational ships and our RTA (Reactor Training Assistant) and Chief's Mess.
- He'll be standing duty from Day 1 after arriving in RT, usually 4 Section. The rest of the ship will be in something better, usually 6 or more. Tell him to get used to this sort of arrangement, it wont be the last time the top-siders get a better deal in working hours/duty rotation, etc.
- Attending college classes is technically feasible, but not altogether recommended. I say this because his primary goal is getting qualified and that, along with whatever jobs he gets assigned, will keep him busy.
Hopefully this helps you both out. One piece of advice to pass along to your son; while in the shipyard the sailors receive BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence or what used to be called COMRATS). This is money intended for the sailor to use on food since the ship's galleys will be shutdown. Tell him NOT to include that money if he goes to get a car loan or something like that or when he does his monthly budget. Get him to sock that money away, because at some time later on, before the ship actually leaves the shipyard, the galleys will be opened back up and that money will no longer be paid to the sailors. Saw too many young and older sailors alike put themselves in a financial bind because they got used to that money being there and had trouble when it was gone.
