Hello all! To get down to the point, recently the Navy has contacted me through my university (Penn State) in regards to instructor positions available at the NNPC in Charleston, SC. I have a basic understanding of the NNPC as I had a friend who was in the nuke program (I visited him while he was there, so I have seen the outskirts of the base); however, I have no idea what the viewpoint is from the instructor stance. Nonetheless, I have searched these forums to determine if anyone else has been in my position, but only a few posts were found. Judging from the majority of the posts here, most of you are in the nuke program currently or have completed the nuclear program.
Just for a brief introduction of myself so you know where I am coming from, I'm currently entering my junior year at Penn State University as an electrical engineer having completed all requirements (64 credits, all math and physics courses completed) for the major. I am only 19 years old, will be turning 20 in a few days.
Anyway, onward. The Navy has offered me an amazing deal as it looks on paper - willing to start paying me immediately E-6 commission until I graduate from the university at which point I will have to attend OIS followed by 5months of training at the nuclear facility. After which I am obligated to instruct for the school for four years. Through my research on this forum individuals who do this are called Direct Input Officers?
This sounds like an amazing deal, guaranteed job out of college, paid while attending college, officer status in the navy, and the countless other benefits. I do not really need the money to complete my college education - I can suffice paying my next two years by myself if needed (of course with the help of loans). The starting salary for electrical engineers in the private sector is roughly $54,000/year, although through research I have found this salary to be inflated by high-cost living areas (most of these jobs are located in New York/New Jersey). The Navy's monthly offer to me while attending college is $3048.00/month, however I'm assuming after OIS that wage will increase, correct? I'm assuming after OIS you are deemed as O-1 and receive that pay rate, but I am unable to find up-to-date rates on officer commissions. Does anyone know? I would greatly appreciate it.
Nonetheless, my real question is this: is it worth it to become a (basically) civilian instructor at the NNPC for the benefits, pay rate, ect.? I had thought of joining the military for a few years (just to do my part) when I graduated from high school, but I was only 17 at the time and my parents opted to help me with college -- so I took advantage of that. It is something I am interested in doing as a whole, not just financially, but because: (1) it is doing something for my country, (2) something I do enjoy -- teaching, and (3) a new experience. As for when the four years are up, what do the instructors do afterwards? Are there other positions in the Navy for the instructors or are they let go? If anyone here has gone through as a instructor, how does the experience look like on you resume for private sector jobs after completion of the four years? There are plenty of government jobs available to electrical engineers in particular, would you think being an instructor for the Navy would look good for these positions after the obligation even though it is not experience in the field?
If you actually read all of this, thank you, I look forward to seeing responses!
