Chance to get in Nuke Program With Low GPA

[alexd]

Hey guys,

I am new to this forum and hopefully you guys can help me out answering these questions regarding Nuclear Trained Officer selection process:

1. I am out of school for 4 years now and I have 3.5 years of engineering work experience and EIT certification under my belt . However, my undergrad GPA was 2.4. Do I stand a chance to get into the program with such low GPA?

2. If question 1 answer is "No" then what do I need to do to get in?

3. Do you think a PE license will offset my low GPA?

[retired nuke]

Hey guys,

I am new to this forum and hopefully you guys can help me out answering these questions regarding Nuclear Trained Officer selection process:

1. I am out of school for 4 years now and I have 3.5 years of engineering work experience and EIT certification under my belt . However, my undergrad GPA was 2.4. Do I stand a chance to get into the program with such low GPA?

2. If question 1 answer is "No" then what do I need to do to get in?

3. Do you think a PE license will offset my low GPA?

As far along as you are in your engineering career, why would you want to do the military? With the PE, you will be highly valued almost anywhere, don't need the military for experience or training....

[Khak-Hater]

The answer might be a desire to serve your country.  I'm pretty sure that's why I served.  I work with a lot of middle-aged engineers who, having chased the money in their youth, express some remorse at never having served.  It's good that you're thinking about it before you're too old or tied down.  I promise you that it will suck, but it may very well be one of the best experiences of your life.  Go for it.

I'm no expert on how to become a Navy Zero (i.e., an "O" rank).  If you're concerned about your GPA, then you might try getting a graduate degree.  GPAs in grad school tend to be much higher.  Plus, now that you have some real work experience, you'll be more focused on your work, thereby resulting in higher grades.  Otherwise, I'll let the Navy Zero experts on the forum give you more useful advice. 

Finally, if you just want to serve your country, you could look into being a Zero in the Army or Marines (e.g., infantry, armor, or combat engineers).  I know a lot of guys who took that route who work in the nuke field as managers. 

Good luck,

MGM 

[alexd]

Khak Hater is right!

I just want to serve my country and gain nuclear experience. However, I don't want to apply Grad school at this point due to financial and personal issues. Is it possible for me to get in the program will low GPA at this point? Any help will be appreciated.

By the way what is a "Zero" ?

[RDTroja]

A WWII vintage Japanese fighter plane?

Or, maybe an Officer - sometimes called O-ganger (thus 'Zero' to people not in that particular fraternity.)

[RDTroja]

RDT you're correct, this is the correct response.

Yeah, I knew that, but I liked my first answer better... for the first half of my life I thought my real name was Wiseass.

[Harley Rider]

Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it. Good Luck and be cool

[alexd]

Hey Harley Rider,

What do you mean by that comments? Is Navy Nuclear Officer that bad? It seems like people are avoiding this career. Now I am thinking I should avoid signing up.

[Gamecock]

As with all jobs, there are good things....

and bad things....

Have you considered trying to go surface nuke?

[Harley Rider]

Hey Harley Rider,

What do you mean by that comments? Is Navy Nuclear Officer that bad? It seems like people are avoiding this career. Now I am thinking I should avoid signing up.

Let me answer your original question first. Yes, I think you have a good chance of getting into the program with your current credentials regardless of your low GPA. As to your second question, Yes these days I think it is that bad however it will provide you with very marketable skills and pay very well (relatively speaking),,,however:
I spent 24 years in the Navy watching Officers being driven into the ground by the organization. The first term retention rates for navy nuclear officers is atrociously low and normally the reason is that they are being led by some CHENG / RO / XO / CO tyrant who cares nothing more than what can I do for myself today. Make sure you weigh all your options before you jump. The Navy can be very rewarding career (it was for me) but you need to have the right attitude. Remember these are my opinions only and I'm sure you will find many on here that will disagree with me. Be safe

[Harley Rider]

Nothing worth doing is easy,....

My sentiments exactly.

[AFT21]

No matter how bad things ever got on my submarine, every Chief and LPO could always look at the Engineering Junior Officers and say to himself "at least I don't have his job".
I've talked to senior enlisted off other boats and they all agree.
The army has a program to fly helicopters as a warrent officer.  I think you only need an associates.  If you want to serve your country, go shoot some terrorists.  Spying on your trading partners isn't everybody's idea of serving your country.

MM1/SS

[S3GLMS]

From Experience, You would need to like Camp Eagle in ROK (Korea) every 18 months or Fort Campbell ,Kentucky as stateside duty as a Warrant officer Army Helicopter Pilot.  Still a good Job, but not always very Glamorous in the assignments.