MM or ELT?

[NuclearNicholas]

Hello all!

I am an MM3 who is about 6 weeks shy of graduating power school (fingers crossed).  I was curious on how one might become an ELT and how that effects my contract.  I've heard that in order to go ELT you must tack on another two years to your enlistment.  I also wanted to ask where ELT courses are taken and what they are like.  Also, do all the other mechanics really hate your guts?

Thanks,

Gray

[Marlin]

  Also, do all the other mechanics really hate your guts?

Envy is an ugly emotion. 

[MMM]

Becoming an ELT does not change your contract in any way. The school itself is right after you graduate prototype, and you stay there for an extra 3ish months. It's basically like prototype, but it only focuses on chemistry and radcon. Real mechanics don't hate ELTs, we just laugh at the lazy bums. 

[Marlin]

Real mechanics don't hate ELTs, we just laugh at the lazy bums. 

You must not have served on a fast attack.

[GLW]

Hello all!

I am an MM3 who is about 6 weeks shy of graduating power school (fingers crossed).  I was curious on how one might become an ELT and how that effects my contract.  I've heard that in order to go ELT you must tack on another two years to your enlistment.  I also wanted to ask where ELT courses are taken and what they are like.  Also, do all the other mechanics really hate your guts?

Thanks,

Gray

I would posit that when you get to prototype the ELT information will be readily available and current.

Once upon a time an ELT candidate had to be in the top half or better of nuclear power school, so the expectations and minimum requirements were presented at a much earlier date in the training program,...

Nowadays,....not so much,....

[spekkio]

Hello all!

I am an MM3 who is about 6 weeks shy of graduating power school (fingers crossed).  I was curious on how one might become an ELT and how that effects my contract.  I've heard that in order to go ELT you must tack on another two years to your enlistment.  I also wanted to ask where ELT courses are taken and what they are like.  Also, do all the other mechanics really hate your guts?

Thanks,

Gray

I'm not sure why you'd make a career decision based on another division 'hating your guts.' I mean, you're already a nuke so there's bound to be a coner or six on your next boat who resents your fast advancement and the fact that the nuclear Navy will condition you to seek someone's permission to make the simplest of decisions.

ELTs qualify all of the mechanic watchstations, although they usually stand ERF so they can do steam generator and condensate sampling on watch. Some ELTs do have some adjustment/struggle when transitioning to engineroom supervisor because they don't have much experience standing ERLL/ERUL.

In port it depends on the boat to determine how involved you are with M-div maintenance, but if they are doing something like going on shiftwork to do U-tube hydrolancing then you can expect to be right there with them.

[HeavyD]

From the surface perspective, being an ELT is all you do.  Yes, you'll qualify the mechanic watchstations for SIR (Senior-in-rate), but you'll only stand them once per month to maintain proficiency.

There are two ELTs on watch at a time, 1 for each plant.  However, this info does not include the GEORGE BUSH, since she was just commissioned right before I retire and with their newer tech, I'm not 100% sure if that affected their watches, nor does it include the GERALD FORD, the newest carrier still under construction.

If you want to learn about radiochemistry sampling and analysis, secondary sampling and analysis and radiological controls, then ELT is a path to look into.  If you want to do it because it "sounds cool" or because

other mechanics really hate your guts

, then you're barking up the wrong tree and you'll end up miserable and blame the Navy for hating your mistake.

Best of luck and thank you for volunteering to serve!

[Tylor]

So if you want to be an ELT, then you need to talk to your supervisors and other ELTs once you get to prototype. You'll be selected from your graduating class in prototype. There ARE other ways to become an ELT, like if you are selected to be a SPU/JSI then you may be able to be chosen as an ELT after your instructor tour. I've also heard of sea returnees at the prototypes qualifying as ELTs, but I don't have any information on that besides hearsay. I'm an electrician, so I can't say to much about ELTs besides everyone knows they have it good.
Best of luck!

[HeavyD]

like if you are selected to be a SPU/JSI then you may be able to be chosen as an ELT after your instructor tour

These guys/gals choose ELT as their "C" school for re-enlisting.

I've also heard of sea returnees at the prototypes qualifying as ELTs

Same situation, "C" school.  However, for this scenario I haven't heard of it happening since I was a student at prototype in 1993. 

[fiveeleven]

Dang - has been awhile since the haters vs. the chosen ones diatribe has surfaced. But being as to date in this newest of years it hasn't, far be it from me to initiate the exchange. On topic - Mr. NuclearNicholas - The opportunities available to you post Navy out in the world are very much enhanced if you can proclaim yourself as one of the anointed. Do it !! Good luck and thank you for your service. Oh yeah - history as we know it - The good lord created Admiral Rickover who thus created Navy nuclear power. Realizing a key element to success was Chemistry and Radcon, he then wrote the sacred scrolls known as 0152 & 0153. Knowing that only his top men could bear the burdens of carrying out the duties associated with the scrolls - he created ELTs. Amen.

[Arxos]

Sup 1506 

[GLW]

Dang.............Oh yeah - history as we know it - The good lord created Admiral Rickover who thus created Navy nuclear power.................. - he created ELTs. Amen.

Rickover created the opportunity,...

I created myself,...

then again, that too, is a conceit,...

but just a little one,...

Isaiah 43:7

[GLW]

to the OP:

Hello veteran/current/future Nukes.  My name is Nick and I am a long time reader, first time writer. I had many many questions before stumbling upon this site.  After reading through nearly every post (twice) I am glad to say I don't have any questions about what to expect for my future.  The reason for this post is.................

you must be very busy in power school (that's OK, you are supposed to be busy in power school) as you neglected to take the time to read these ELT centric threads before posting your global question:

https://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,22954.0.html

https://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,18345.0.html

https://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,18801.0.html

https://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,27037.0.html

https://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,27722.0.html

https://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,34040.0.html

https://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,37060.0.html

there's more, those will just get you started,...

thank you for your service, and as stated before:

....I am going to try for MM. Which, after reading all your posts, sounds like it will be a breeze to snag since they are in such demand.  I ship out in February and can not wait to start this journey. .........

post back after you qualify ELT and SIR on your first sea command,...

until then, I have fish to catch,...

good luck,....until then,....

[xobxdoc]

One of the Senior VPs at Exelon who oversees multiple nuclear sites was an ELT. Coincidence?

[GLW]

One of the Senior VPs at Exelon who oversees multiple nuclear sites was an ELT. Coincidence?

No,...not a coincidence that is, more like adumbrative evolution,...

you will find former ELT is liberally sprinkled amongst the upper guidance and top specialists at many places,...

Xcel, Entergy, DOE, OSL, NRC, et al,...

it's the innate skills which lend themselves to the success rate and the niche virtuousity,...

most of the better ELTs are in the INTJ, INTP, ENTP & ISTJ personality types,...

which are the types that flourish well in our line of endeavour,...

I have gleaned this through empirical observation,...

(as we are back on ELT for a spell,...almost forgot,...(sic),....4 beercourt)

[xobxdoc]

All I know is a former nuke school and elt school classmate of mine makes slightly more money than me.

[GLW]

All I know is a former nuke school and elt school classmate of mine makes slightly more money than me.

me too,...

then again,...

I'm still on my first wife,...

so,...

I don't need as much to live as well,...

[NuclearNicholas]

I appreciate all the informative feedback!  I have successfully completed power school and will be headed to New York with my wife next week.  After reading your posts I am strongly considering ELT.  However, I was not top half of my A School or Power School class so I'm not sure what my chances might be.  Thanks again!

[Tylor]

Enjoy New York, man. I came from S8G and it's the most fun I've had in my navy career.
I recommend letting your your staff advisor know from early on that you're interested in ELT. Much like JSI your staff advisor will make entries in your training record once a week for your entire time at prototype. As you approach your graduation date you'll be given the chance to fill out a request to be a SPU or ELT/Welder. When they review your request they'll look at your performance throughout the pipeline, and they will look through your training record. If you have plastered all over your training record "Would make a good ELT" then it goes a long way.
Outside of just your staff advisor, if you become certain that it's something you want to do, talk to people like your Training Coordinator and your LCC, a recommendation from them goes much further.
Also I'd recommend coming into ELT checkouts heavy on knowledge. If your section/plant LELT thinks you would make a good match, that also makes for a solid recommendation.
If you want any prototype advice, I recently left S8G after an instructor tour, so I've got pretty current information.
Best of luck!

[MMM]

More important than the TC, who really has no direct input for recommendations, talk to you Section Lead ELT, his/her recommendation will carry a lot more weight, especially since everyone after that will likely follow their example.

[Rerun]

Enjoy New York, man. I came from S8G and it's the most fun I've had in my navy career.
I recommend letting your your staff advisor know from early on that you're interested in ELT. Much like JSI your staff advisor will make entries in your training record once a week for your entire time at prototype. As you approach your graduation date you'll be given the chance to fill out a request to be a SPU or ELT/Welder. When they review your request they'll look at your performance throughout the pipeline, and they will look through your training record. If you have plastered all over your training record "Would make a good ELT" then it goes a long way.
Outside of just your staff advisor, if you become certain that it's something you want to do, talk to people like your Training Coordinator and your LCC, a recommendation from them goes much further.
Also I'd recommend coming into ELT checkouts heavy on knowledge. If your section/plant LELT thinks you would make a good match, that also makes for a solid recommendation.
If you want any prototype advice, I recently left S8G after an instructor tour, so I've got pretty current information.
Best of luck!

Instructor tour? Dont lie

[Rerun]

Here is the question. Can you stand hotties hanging around you 24/7? If so then you have ELT genetics.

[Tylor]

Instructor tour? Dont lie

Ouch, Rerun. While my instructor tour was abbreviated I qualified as an instructor and taught students for about 6 months. On paper I did an instructor tour, and I would say I'm absolutely qualified to give advice on the subject, even if I didn't stay the full 2 years.

[wrenchmonkey91]

I was a surface ELT, just got out a little over a year ago. I'd say it's just about all benefits going ELT, you'll qualify mechanic watchstations anyway and can stand those watches and your senior in rate is going to be the same as a mechanics as well, meaning your resume is going to look the same with the exception of the ton more stuff ELTs can add to it as well. Obviously it depends on what you're planning on doing afterwards, but while I was job searching I was perfectly qualified for mechanic related positions but ended up being found by Newport News shipyard for a radcon tech, it was ok and paid really well but a little stressful so I ended up moving to the chemistry lab recently and I love it. Another ELT from my ship came to work here around the same time but went to engineering and writes work packages and procedures, working with mechanics, but he got the job because they know ELT is a demanding attention to detail oriented rate plus he was chief reactor watch (mechanic senior watch) qualified so like I said being an ELT is just more icing.
All that being said, ETs and ELTs are easily the most scrutinized and stressful nuke rates, and they both determine the largest portions of ORSE scores because of their importance, so it's very demanding at times. In RM/RP (reactor mechanical/ reactor propulsion) there's a lot of mechanics and it's easier to coast by and just do your time and get out if that's what you want, in RL (reactor laboratories)there's only 20 or so ELTs and there's a lot more pressure on each person. I personally miss that pressure, it kept you on point and it's harder to become complacent, but I knew a few guys who didn't like it and ended up leaving RL to go to RM.
As far as becoming an ELT, they say grades matter and they're probably important but honestly if you just hang out with the ELTs and make it known you're interested in being and ELT, you'll have a good shot, they choose who gets in and when I was in ELT school we saw all the time when they would deliberately deny people who were assholes or whatnot for the next upcoming class. I was an average student but super quiet and when I got to prototype I got a long really well with the ELTs on our crew, I wasn't even planning on being an ELT but then they recommended me and I got in without even putting in a package myself.

[Rerun]

I was a surface ELT, just got out a little over a year ago. I'd say it's just about all benefits going ELT, you'll qualify mechanic watchstations anyway and can stand those watches and your senior in rate is going to be the same as a mechanics as well, meaning your resume is going to look the same with the exception of the ton more stuff ELTs can add to it as well. Obviously it depends on what you're planning on doing afterwards, but while I was job searching I was perfectly qualified for mechanic related positions but ended up being found by Newport News shipyard for a radcon tech, it was ok and paid really well but a little stressful so I ended up moving to the chemistry lab recently and I love it. Another ELT from my ship came to work here around the same time but went to engineering and writes work packages and procedures, working with mechanics, but he got the job because they know ELT is a demanding attention to detail oriented rate plus he was chief reactor watch (mechanic senior watch) qualified so like I said being an ELT is just more icing.
All that being said, ETs and ELTs are easily the most scrutinized and stressful nuke rates, and they both determine the largest portions of ORSE scores because of their importance, so it's very demanding at times. In RM/RP (reactor mechanical/ reactor propulsion) there's a lot of mechanics and it's easier to coast by and just do your time and get out if that's what you want, in RL (reactor laboratories)there's only 20 or so ELTs and there's a lot more pressure on each person. I personally miss that pressure, it kept you on point and it's harder to become complacent, but I knew a few guys who didn't like it and ended up leaving RL to go to RM.
As far as becoming an ELT, they say grades matter and they're probably important but honestly if you just hang out with the ELTs and make it known you're interested in being and ELT, you'll have a good shot, they choose who gets in and when I was in ELT school we saw all the time when they would deliberately deny people who were assholes or whatnot for the next upcoming class. I was an average student but super quiet and when I got to prototype I got a long really well with the ELTs on our crew, I wasn't even planning on being an ELT but then they recommended me and I got in without even putting in a package myself.

What a bunch of BS

[Higgs]

No,...not a coincidence that is, more like adumbrative evolution,...

you will find former ELT is liberally sprinkled amongst the upper guidance and top specialists at many places,...

Xcel, Entergy, DOE, OSL, NRC, et al,...

it's the innate skills which lend themselves to the success rate and the niche virtuousity,...

most of the better ELTs are in the INTJ, INTP, ENTP & ISTJ personality types,...

which are the types that flourish well in our line of endeavour,...

I have gleaned this through empirical observation,...

(as we are back on ELT for a spell,...almost forgot,...(sic),....4 beercourt)

Some are even ENTJ. 

[Marlin]

Some are even ENTJ. 

Agree from another ENTJ