Engineering Lab Technician - - Info?

[Astroraith]

Hey everyone! I swore into America's Navy on January 22 this year. I don't ship until September 22. However, I'm seeking as much information as possible. One of my recruiters was a former ET and provided some great information. One thing that his information was limited to was the Engineering Lab Technicians. From what I understand, this is a very difficult job to obtain as a nuke. Does anyone have any more information about it? The way that my recruiter explained it, these guys were on the chemistry side of the reactors and did things like checking pH levels, oxygen levels, etc.

Are there any former or current Engineering Lab Technicians out there who could possibly provide some more information? While I will gladly and proudly accept being an ET, EM, or MM, this role is where a majority of my interests lie. Thank you in advance!

[HydroDave63]

https://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,33079.msg149881.html#msg149881

[Nuke Jayhawk Mom]

First, check the link above and read. Then I would just add in this to explain a bit further. I only read into all this stuff because my son is a nuke in boot camp right now.

There are 3 rates you might be placed into by the Navy. MM-machinist mate, EM-electricians mate, ET-electronics technician. Needs of the Navy is the decision maker, along with your ASVAB scores, but they tease you with the thought that your preference will also influence the placement. haha.

Anyway, if you sign up for MM in your DEP contract, you are for sure going to be MM, it won't change. If not, you may be rated any one of the three.

If you are MM, and you do really well in nuke school (A school, power school, and prototype) you might be selected for ELT school or may get to choose that on your own (??don't know)... but it is an additional 13 weeks of training to be completed after graduation from power school, the final portion of your nuke schooling.

MM with ELT is from what I have read, a pretty neat option, and can give you a slight edge from what I can tell.

I don't know much more than that, so don't ask me haha... but that is what I have learned so far. 

[Nuke Jayhawk Mom]

p.s. Thank you for volunteering to serve our country.


and here is an interesting forum topic to read through...search for:   
Obtaining Your Nuclear Rating of Choice

[ghaleonx39]

When I was in prototype, I knew I wanted to be an ELT so I started making buddies with and getting closer to the ELT trainers/instructors on staff.  Best thing to do is when you get to prototype, find the Lead ELT on your crew and talk to them right at the beginning and tell them your intentions.

Note: This was over 10 years ago for me, but I'd imagine things shouldn't be too different that you can't do what I suggest.

Also you said you wanted additional information.  I know there's tons of it around the forums here, but long story short, yes they handle the chemistry side of things as well as radiological controls.  So as an ELT you'd be sampling, analyzing, performing radiation surveys, contamination job coverage, and so on.  If you're on a surface ship those will be your primary functions.  If you go submarines, then being a mechanic will be your primary function and ELT is more of a collateral duty.

[MMM]

As a former TC (until retiring last year), here's the paperwork routing process for ELT/JSI (hopefully in order): Staff advisor, Section LPO, Section LELT (for MMs), LCC, SE, NPE-T, then a bunch of guys outside of section. Do you know whose opinion the out of section guys typically cared most about for ELTs? Yup, the SLELT. If the SLELT said yes (and mine also included naming his top 3 picks) with decent reasoning, you can pretty much bet they got selected. If the SLELT said no, almost no chance they got selected (unless we had more slots then recommendations, then we got stuck with whoever).

Moral of the story: If you're an MM and want to be an ELT, talk to the ELTs in your section at NPTU and show them you're not a POS.

[Marlin]

As a former TC (until retiring last year), here's the paperwork routing process for ELT/JSI (hopefully in order): Staff advisor, Section LPO, Section LELT (for MMs), LCC, SE, NPE-T, then a bunch of guys outside of section. Do you know whose opinion the out of section guys typically cared most about for ELTs? Yup, the SLELT. If the SLELT said yes (and mine also included naming his top 3 picks) with decent reasoning, you can pretty much bet they got selected. If the SLELT said no, almost no chance they got selected (unless we had more slots then recommendations, then we got stuck with whoever).

Moral of the story: If you're an MM and want to be an ELT, talk to the ELTs in your section at NPTU and show them you're not a POS.

Helpful but a bit heavy on the acronyms for a neophyte.

[MMM]

As a former TC (until retiring last year), here's the paperwork routing process for ELT/JSI (hopefully in order): Staff advisor, Section LPO, Section LELT (for MMs), LCC, SE, NPE-T, then a bunch of guys outside of section. Do you know whose opinion the out of section guys typically cared most about for ELTs? Yup, the SLELT. If the SLELT said yes (and mine also included naming his top 3 picks) with decent reasoning, you can pretty much bet they got selected. If the SLELT said no, almost no chance they got selected (unless we had more slots then recommendations, then we got stuck with whoever).

Moral of the story: If you're an MM and want to be an ELT, talk to the ELTs in your section at NPTU and show them you're not a POS.

Translations (I assume you know what ELT, MM, NPTU, and POS are):

TC - Training Coordinator (Dude in charge of the enlisted students qualification for the section). JSI - Junior Staff Instructor (a.k.a. Staff Pick-Up). LPO - Leading Petty Officer (Dude in charge of the division). LELT - Leading ELT (LPO for ELTs, why not LPO? No clue, ELTs are weird.). LCC - Leading Crew Chief (Chief in charge of the military side of the section for all staff and students). SE - Shift Engineer (Officer in charge of the section). NPE-T - Nuclear Plant Engineer (Civilian dude in charge of) Training.

[GLW]

...........LELT - Leading ELT (LPO for ELTs, why not LPO? No clue, ELTs are weird.)........

WRONG!!!!

It's because being an ELT transcends being a petty officer,....

"For those who understand, no explanation is needed. For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible."

[spekkio]

Fun fact: LPO in Big Navy speak refers to the division Chief, not the senior 1st class. LCPO refers to a department Chief. ELTs on subs don't usually have a Chief heading the division*, hence LELT.

*I'm not counting the boats that make ELTs work for M-Div.

[xobxdoc]

Hey everyone! I swore into America's Navy on January 22 this year. I don't ship until September 22. However, I'm seeking as much information as possible. One of my recruiters was a former ET and provided some great information. One thing that his information was limited to was the Engineering Lab Technicians. From what I understand, this is a very difficult job to obtain as a nuke. Does anyone have any more information about it? The way that my recruiter explained it, these guys were on the chemistry side of the reactors and did things like checking pH levels, oxygen levels, etc.

Are there any former or current Engineering Lab Technicians out there who could possibly provide some more information? While I will gladly and proudly accept being an ET, EM, or MM, this role is where a majority of my interests lie. Thank you in advance!

Here's a little perspective for you. The guy in the club with the hottest girlfiend is an ELT.
Chuck Norris was qualified ELT. That's a no shi**er. Look it up.

[bigdog46]

Not sure about the accuracy of the qualified ELT for Chuck Norris, however the comment about the hottest girl in the club is 100% SPOT ON.  ELTs are Hot Babe Magnets.

[Marlin]

Not sure about the accuracy of the qualified ELT for Chuck Norris, however the comment about the hottest girl in the club is 100% SPOT ON.  ELTs are Hot Babe Magnets.

Only Chuck Norris could qualify as an ELT while serving as an Air Force security Officer 

[GLW]

Fun fact: LPO in Big Navy speak refers to the division Chief, not the senior 1st class. LCPO refers to a department Chief. ELTs on subs don't usually have a Chief heading the division*, hence LELT.

*I'm not counting the boats that make ELTs work for M-Div.

that would be true, many Chief Petty Officers prefer jobs simpler than herding cats, or leading ELTs, when they can get it,....

I'm just saying,....

[Marlin]

Translations (I assume you know what ELT, MM, NPTU, and POS are):

TC - Training Coordinator (Dude in charge of the enlisted students qualification for the section). JSI - Junior Staff Instructor (a.k.a. Staff Pick-Up). LPO - Leading Petty Officer (Dude in charge of the division). LELT - Leading ELT (LPO for ELTs, why not LPO? No clue, ELTs are weird.). LCC - Leading Crew Chief (Chief in charge of the military side of the section for all staff and students). SE - Shift Engineer (Officer in charge of the section). NPE-T - Nuclear Plant Engineer (Civilian dude in charge of) Training.

I was referring to Jayhawk Mom, though many of these are new to me since I was in.

[MMM]

I know this wasn't meant for you.

[Marlin]

I know this wasn't meant for you.

Gotcha,  for being helpful.

[sjb7061]

Are there any former or current Engineering Lab Technicians out there who could possibly provide some more information? While I will gladly and proudly accept being an ET, EM, or MM, this role is where a majority of my interests lie. Thank you in advance!

It's part "needs of the navy" they sometimes don't pick ANY which happened when I was a student (just finished prototype), sometimes they pick a lot of them. If you are female and they are picking up ELT's you will get it plain and simple. As for males, they just pick who they like. So don't get your hopes up, but if you want it and they are picking up ELTs at that time, go for it.

[HeavyD]

If you are female and they are picking up ELT's you will get it plain and simple. As for males, they just pick who they like.

These two sentences are fraught with opinion.  I would advise exercising caution against these kinds of statements.  While there may be some merit to them, there is no way to actually provide quantitative proof.

As an ELT, I did routine water chemistry and radiochemistry analysis for both the secondary and primary sides of the plant.  Very simple stuff, guided by simple procedures.  Since my first ship was the ENTERPRISE, I also ended up doing more radcon in my 3 years there than most ELTs do in an entire 20 year career.  On top of that, we qualified the mechanic watchstations for "senior-in-rate" quals and took the MM advancement exams.

Everything is simple because it's a warship.  The role it plays in everyday life is "ordnance on station".  Blowing up $hit and killing the bad guys before they do the same to us or our allies.  So the less complex it is, the better it, and the sailors maintaining it, can withstand potential battle scenarios.

Again, thank you to your son for volunteering to serve and thank you for raising him.  Best of luck to him in his endeavors!

[sjb7061]

These two sentences are fraught with opinion.

To be fair that's basically what ELT's at MARF prototype in NY will tell you atleast. They pick whom they like to fill available spots. It's not like you have to have certain grades to get it.

[bigdog46]

If you want to be considered for selection as an ELT:

1. Determine if you really want to do the work.

2. If you really want to do the work then get in tight and run with the ELTs.

3. Don't go dink on initial quals at Prototype, stay just ahead of the curve, but don't be the first to qualify.

Worked for me in 1980,

[GLW]

............... It's not like you have to have certain grades to get it.

it used to be so,...top 50% or better,...

[GLW]

If you want to be considered for selection as an ELT:

1. Determine if you really want to do the work.

2. If you really want to do the work then get in tight and run with the ELTs.

3. Don't go dink on initial quals at Prototype, stay just ahead of the curve, but don't be the first to qualify.

Worked for me in 1980,

it's not 1980 anymore shipwreck,...

[bigdog46]

Maybe a more general statement was appropriate:

1. Identify the goal and determine if it truly is your goal

2. Surround yourself with people that have influence in helping you achieve your goal.

3. Make yourself visible but not overtly visible.

Worked for me in 2015

[Rennhack]

3. Make yourself visible but not overtly visible.

I guess that disqualifies me.

[bigdog46]

I'd have to say your visibility is not overt assuming your goal is to grow NukeWorker.  May not be visible enough.  Keep up the good work, and thanks NukeWorker.

[holicisms]

ELTs put in the most hours, are the most prone to getting masted, and have the least job satisfaction.


It has been a long running gag that ELTs don't do anything and have it the easiest of the 4 rates... it is entirely untrue.

[HeavyD]

are the most prone to getting masted

Not sure where this comes from or even if it is remotely true.

The 3 carriers I served on, each of the three rates was represented fairly evenly when it came to Captain's Mast.

And there are only three rates, since ELTs are MMs.  There are, however, four NEC groups.

Enjoy

[Nuke Jayhawk Mom]

My son graduates boot camp this Friday!!! woo hoo and hooyah!!! 

So, since my son was put into ET (even though his first choice was MM, second choice EM) is there any additional training he can request or may be assigned to or selected for etc?

Also, will he learn during Nuke school, all about the "quals" and stuff everyone refers to on here? And the "radcom" training or "radon" training stuff -- ? whatever... will he have to pursue requesting that on his own?   

I learned all there was to know about Boot Camp, but now we are almost into the next big haul... I would like to learn as much as possible to give as much support as I can and to make it easier to hold a conversation with me . I guess I will continue to obsess on this forum site for that info haha.   

Oh, and regarding comment by xobxdoc and the ones that followed...hilarious.

Chuck Norris is amazing. He counted to infinity. Twice. 

[spekkio]

ELTs put in the most hours...

Nope.

[GLW]

ELTs put in the most hours....

Nope.

Not as ELTs,...

[HeavyD]

Nope.

Yeah, this was 100% true as well.  We, by far, didn't put in the most hours.

As the RL LCPO, I never sent an ELT to mast.  The Mess on the IKE believed in handling things as low in the chain-of-command as possible.  In fact, during my 15+ years of being a workcenter supervisor/LPO/LCPO I sent exactly 1 sailor to mast.

So, either things have gone completely south, or this is another example of anecdotal evidence

[Marlin]

Not as ELTs,...

   I think you need to use YMMV on this one. My experience was feast or famine. On my boats ELTs were members of M Div and ELT was a collateral duty. ELT on patrol was about as sleazy as you could get when on station. ELT during ops not so much with some of the sampling criteria and one boat that did not permit non-ELTs to sample the secondary for chem addition. In port we stood M-Div watches, had assigned PMs, field day, and fit in our sampling and surveys in between. Any primary plant maintenance that breached a system was typically done by an ELT. I dove lube oil sumps, pulled condenser manways and other unpleasant chores. I know this was not true for all boats and certainly not for Skimmers but...YMMV.

[GLW]

   I think you need to use YMMV on this one. My experience was feast or famine. On my boats ELTs were members of M Div and ELT was a collateral duty. ELT on patrol was about as sleazy as you could get when on station. ELT during ops not so much with some of the sampling criteria and one boat that did not permit non-ELTs to sample the secondary for chem addition. In port we stood M-Div watches, had assigned PMs, field day, and fit in our sampling and surveys in between. Any primary plant maintenance that breached a system was typically done by an ELT. I dove lube oil sumps, pulled condenser manways and other unpleasant chores. I know this was not true for all boats and certainly not for Skimmers but...YMMV.

that was almost my point,....

ELT underway was not sleazy, it was an exercise in time management skills, those with good skills made it look easy, those without always looked haggard,...

ELTs on boats where ELT is collateral with M Div can put in some very long hours,...

but it's not the ELT hours that are long, they are simply in addition too,...

[Marlin]

that was almost my point,....

ELT underway was not sleazy, it was an exercise in time management skills, those with good skills made it look easy, those without always looked haggard,...

ELTs on boats where ELT is collateral with M Div can put in some very long hours,...

but it's not the ELT hours that are long, they are simply in addition too,...

   But it is dependent on assignment, command, and manning which is normally on the short side. Just saying it is not black and white.

[spekkio]

I think you need to use YMMV on this one. My experience was feast or famine. On my boats ELTs were members of M Div and ELT was a collateral duty. ELT on patrol was about as sleazy as you could get when on station. ELT during ops not so much with some of the sampling criteria and one boat that did not permit non-ELTs to sample the secondary for chem addition. In port we stood M-Div watches, had assigned PMs, field day, and fit in our sampling and surveys in between. Any primary plant maintenance that breached a system was typically done by an ELT. I dove lube oil sumps, pulled condenser manways and other unpleasant chores. I know this was not true for all boats and certainly not for Skimmers but...YMMV.

This is what NR does not want - ELTs being shady because they are more concerned with liberty or hitting the rack while tending to M-Div's maintenance than treating their jobs as a top priority.

That's not to say that ELTs never supported M-Div stuff, but by and large on ustafish the division was in charge of its own people and only worked on ELT stuff throughout the day. Many of the mechanics liked it that way as they didn't have a whole lot of confidence in ELT's ability to do maintenance that didn't require re-work.

Again, YMMV.

[Rerun]

Best mechanic on my boat. My ELTs were mechanics first. ELTs second and sleazy wasn't an option. Its a matter of leadership plain and simple.

[Marlin]

This is what NR does not want - ELTs being shady because they are more concerned with liberty or hitting the rack while tending to M-Div's maintenance than treating their jobs as a top priority.

Liberty is a little tough on a north run when you are rigged for quiet and very little maintenance was done by anyone. It is sleazy from the standpoint of assigned watch station. Most people were limited in work allowed during this time and the duty ELT by virtue of only having to take required samples had the lightest load. I got hollered at for trying to do an add when a gas cylinder squeaked.
    I do get what you are saying but lack of work ethic is another topic.

   

Many of the mechanics liked it that way as they didn't have a whole lot of confidence in ELT's ability to do maintenance that didn't require re-work.

   YMMV with this as well, ELTs in my class were only considered if they also were being considered for staff pickup. I know that is not the case today but that too is a YMMV depending on the needs of the Navy. Last post I saw with current information said that they selected from a mix of standings so as not impact the pool of MMs going to the fleet.

[fiveeleven]

 Many of the mechanics liked it that way as they didn't have a whole lot of confidence in ELT's ability to do maintenance that didn't require re-work.

About as confident as an ELT would be that a charging station mechanic could first identify and then rectify a wet layup steam generator heading into free caustic country due to the hydroxyl breakout at 180 degreeF of N2H4(Hydrazine for wannabes). Getting the "feel" for calculating a full volume S/G drain/refill with numbers in spec. on first sample is admittedly not as foreboding as a repack on a gate, but I also recall slogging out of the Cofferdam ORT and into a virtual sea of mechanics hoo-booing about how hot it was, and the ELTs saying don't worry shipmates we'll take the next one ourselves. And throw in the fact that RL div. was the only nuke B-Ball squad that could compete with the airdales - and there she be. As consistent as M-Divvers pulling routine turbidity's in the hotwell - the most outspoken antis are the ones that weren't. ELTs - A Few Good Men - side by side with Colonel Jessup on the wall - saving lives and RCP upper radial bearings. MM2/ELT USS Nimitz CVN-68 1980-1984. BOHICA

[HydroDave63]

Many of the mechanics liked it that way as they didn't have a whole lot of confidence in ELT's ability to do maintenance that didn't require re-work.

About as confident as an ELT would be that a charging station mechanic could first identify and then rectify a wet layup steam generator heading into free caustic country due to the hydroxyl breakout at 180 degreeF of N2H4(Hydrazine for wannabes). Getting the "feel" for calculating a full volume S/G drain/refill with numbers in spec. on first sample is admittedly not as foreboding as a repack on a gate, but I also recall slogging out of the Cofferdam ORT and into a virtual sea of mechanics hoo-booing about how hot it was, and the ELTs saying don't worry shipmates we'll take the next one ourselves. And throw in the fact that RL div. was the only nuke B-Ball squad that could compete with the airdales - and there she be. As consistent as M-Divvers pulling routine turbidity's in the hotwell - the most outspoken antis are the ones that weren't. ELTs - A Few Good Men - side by side with Colonel Jessup on the wall - saving lives and RCP upper radial bearings. MM2/ELT USS Nimitz CVN-68 1980-1984. BOHICA

[MMM]

My son graduates boot camp this Friday!!! woo hoo and hooyah!!! 

So, since my son was put into ET (even though his first choice was MM, second choice EM) is there any additional training he can request or may be assigned to or selected for etc?

Also, will he learn during Nuke school, all about the "quals" and stuff everyone refers to on here? And the "radcom" training or "radon" training stuff -- ? whatever... will he have to pursue requesting that on his own?   

I learned all there was to know about Boot Camp, but now we are almost into the next big haul... I would like to learn as much as possible to give as much support as I can and to make it easier to hold a conversation with me . I guess I will continue to obsess on this forum site for that info haha.   

Oh, and regarding comment by xobxdoc and the ones that followed...hilarious.

Chuck Norris is amazing. He counted to infinity. Twice. 

When he gets through the training pipeline, he might want to consider asking for ETMS (advanced maintenance, I can't remember the exact name right now), although I believe he will have to complete his 1st sea tour before he can go, and re-enlist to get it. Any other training he needs, he'll get at some point over the next couple years, with the possible exception of how to perform maintenance, which will be on his ship. He can also as for RCTQS (Radcon Tech - Advanced radiological control training) or QAI/QAS (Quality Assurance Inspector/Supervisor) if either of those interest him.

[spekkio]

Boats only need like 1-2 ETMS qualified guys. Also, 2nd tour ETs are usually already Chiefs.