Reserves or not

[longball4414]

Hey all, just a few days ago I went up to MEPs and got into the nuclear power program. But lately I've been considering my options. I was wondering if it would be a good idea to try to go reserves for a while and get my bachelors degree before I go into the nuclear program. For one I know this would definately help me to be chosen to as an officer, and also would help me succeed more in nuclear school - being more mature and educated. Also many of my friends are going to the same college I would go to and there would definately be good times  . Did anyone else go this route? Is this a good idea or should I just dive right into it. Is it possible to work towards a bachelors degree and then finish it off while enlisted in the Navy?

Thanks in advance for any help

[taterhead]

Well, just in case you didn't know, there is no such animal as Nuke Reservist.

If you want to go to college, why not try for an ROTC scholarship?

It is entirely possible to complete a Bachelors degree whilst serving in the Navy, but it is almost impossible to complete it during your training or first sea tour.  First shore duty is the best time to knock it out.

[longball4414]

Hmmmmmm, well my highschool grades aren't so great. And the deadline for applying for an rotc scholarship has already passed.

[longball4414]

So I guess my only option would be to go straight into nuke school

[taterhead]

So I guess my only option would be to go straight into nuke school

Well, I do not know what your specific situation is, but I would say that you have numerous options.

There are 2 yr ROTC scholarships covering jr/sr years.

You sound like pretty much every other nuke getting ready to begin the pipeline.  Intelligent slackers.

I wish I had come straight in after high school.  Instead, I went to college on and off for 3 years and ran up about 25k in student loan debt. 

[Bighouz107501]

haha yeah i hear we all are slackers... i have a 3.6 gpa and scored a 29 on my act. i now look back at my classes and wonder how i didnt do better, then i remember i never cared and never did homework and got by on tests haha. so hopefully i can change that and study at NPS

[longball4414]

Lol I believe I fit that description as well. I am excited to get started with the nuclear program, but I've been reading about some other opportunities while in school. Such as STA-21, what exactly is STA-21?

[taterhead]

haha yeah i hear we all are slackers...

Well, many of us were, but most of us aren't anymore.

Slacking is suddenly uncool in NPS.

[Rad Sponge]

 

Although this is completely off thread topic (bad moderator, bad)...

I was at a hiring conference and in attendance were many nukes.

One of them was an active instructor at Proto and according to her drugs are a HUGE problem in the pipeline, like relative epidemic levels.

Some drug rings were busted in the Goose Cretian area. Many nukes are no longer nukes.

Anyone care to substantiate this.

A big drug problem could filter down into more dicipline and less tolerance for "slacking".

[taterhead]

I haven't heard, but it sounds like some truth wrapped in rhetoric...

Epidemic?  Doubtful. 

I will put my ear to the ground and see what I can find out...

[graydragon67]

Well to take things back on topic.

I say it depends on how you are paying for college.  I was a unique case.  I paid my way until I was asked for a loan by my folks.  It was either loan them the cash or have no HOME to go to for the holidays.  I betcha know which option I took.

So, if you are not having to take student loans I'd say go to college.  Go sow your wild oats and study and have fun.  Keep your grades up so you can get in the ROTC program or if/when you graduate you can roll right in as an officer.

If it looks like loans will be looming for you, go ahead and enlist.  You sow your wild oats on your first cruise instead of spring break.  With a steady paycheck and chances at some cool foreign ports.

Ultimately the choice is yours, I wish ya luck.

[longball4414]

Quick question, can you pay off student loans that you've already taken out with the GI bill, even though they were prior to when you enlisted?

If so, then I think the best way to go for me would to be to pull out of DEP and go to college for my bachelors. Then go in as an officer.

Can one go to college as a CTI Reservist under the GI bill?

[ccarpenter5423]

Yeah you need to talk to your recruiter and be like look, i got student loans can the navy pay for them.  And he should say yes.  There is a specific program for a person in your situation. 

[longball4414]

Thats the thing, I haven't got any yet  . I'm contemplating whether or not I should go to college first and obtain a degree before I go into the nuclear program. Any thoughts on what is best? Go to college first or after the nuke program?

[Rad Sponge]

College

[longball4414]

JMK, although you only said one word - it means a lot to me.

I've been reading posts throughout these forums and find your knowledgeable and very informative replies everywhere. Thank you for the wise suggestion, I know the reasoning behind it and will pursue a bachelors degree before I sign up for the nuke program.

Thanks again

Allen

[graydragon67]

Very good choice Allen, very good indeed.

I cannot count how many 'kids' went thru the pipeline while I was in it.  Some of them made it, a lot didn't.  I remember a few getting tossed out of A school due to some females (back in the day when the females were not allowed to be nukes), starting a cat house in one of the local motels.  Everyone in the school was read their rights and had to answer questions.  Several classmates were ejected, even the ones who told the truth right off the bat.

Best to live life to the fullest prior to entering the service.  Thus you are not easily swayed to the temptations of life, also known as spring and summer breaks!

good luck
dave

[longball4414]

Thank you for the wise words Dave 

[longball4414]

Although I'm not sure whether it is more worthit to get my degree first, or get 77 credits or whatever it is through the nuke program first. I know that if I get my degree I'll be selected for more officer programs, but risk having to pay for the loans myself. Just thinking out loud  .

Now I'm excited for my future in the long haul - college and the nuke program wheee.