Hi there, and before I start, I would like to state that I have already searched this forum for topics related to mine and have only found the topics, "Security Clearance Issies for Nuclear Field." posted by NavyDepper and "Waiver Questions" posted by DarkMesa8. Both provided information, but none of which fulfilled my very own questions.
I'm a bit new to the site and from what I have read thus far and it seems as if this is a good place to research some questions I have towards the Navy's Nuclear Power Program. I must say that I'm quite impressed with all the information and most, not all, of my questions have been answered thoroughly by other posts except for one major issue I have which involves a Citizenship Waiver.
I am currently 19yrs of age and have since had the plans of making the Navy into a career in hopes to fully capture 20-25yrs of experience and of course, all the benefits that they come with. I had done previous research and concluded that the Personnel Specialist rating would give me the best opportunities to complete my goals with somewhat lesser stress and hardship than the other Navy jobs (I.E.- air conditioned work environment and responsibility for assisting Navy Personnel with their personal needs, maintain records, administration, etc. All of which seem like I could tolerate for 20yrs from my point of view.)
I had gone to MEPS a little under two weeks ago to take my ASVAB and Physical examination on the same day. Both were rather successful from which I was told (score of 85 on the ASVAB). Upon completing the physical exam, I was asked to pick a Naval occupation and was already set on becoming a PS, however, before I could see the Job Counselor, I was directed to the Nuke Recruiters office where I was given information about the Nuclear field. I was and still am content on becoming a PS, but now I also have new interest in the Nuclear Program.
Roughly two weeks later (two days ago from this post), I had taken the NFQT and received a 59 out of 80 for my score. Of course, I was excited as well as my recruiter, but then he started mentioning stuff about the citizenship waiver that he needed to process. He assured me that it wasn't a big issue and it was a normal with someone of my background.
My father had come to the United States in the late 70's, early 80's (I don't know of the exact date) and have since been naturalized. My mother chose to give birth to me in the Philippines in 1987, spend some time there before taking me with her to the states in 1993. She had been naturalized in 2001 and have been living here since our arrival. Now, I was 5 years old when I came here to the states and was told that my U.S. citizenship would be automatic due to myself being a minor and such. I don't fully understand how that works, but I have since gotten my U.S. Passport a couple of years ago, but don't have any naturalization papers or anything but the U.S. passport. The people at MEPS and the recruiters had acknowledged this and told me that it was not a major issue.
Now for my question, and I'm sorry it took this long to get to it. I just wanted to be as detailed a possible in hopes to get a detailed answer from someone knowledgable in this area. Basically, since I have qualified for the Nuclear Field by passing the ASVAB & NFQT, I would like to know what exactly are my chances in actually becoming a Nuke for the Navy (I.E. - going back to MEPS to re-work my contract and be assigned as a Nuke) considering my citizenship status? Do I have a chance at all or should I just forget about it due to not being born in America and such? I researched some topics and found topics concerning people from Russia, Iran & Korea, but I was wondering if there was any kind of hostility between the Philippines and the U.S. that I was unaware of.
Again, sorry for the loooonnnnggggg post, but hopefully some would understand as to why I went into detail. I would be content being a PS if my waiver were to be turned down, but ever since hearing of the program, it has sparked such great interest to the point that I'm almost worried if I do not get in. Thank you so much for everyones time and future responses.