Nuclear officer pipeline, STA21 vs. Naval Academy

[kstrick68]

i was wondering if one is easier to get accepted for than the other, out of the nuclear program.

[93-383]

STA-21 requires you to specificaly apply to the nuclear option. There are extra restrictions for the nuclear option. If you not get the nuclear option you can apply for the core program and then attempt to get into the nuclear power program (I don't know anyone who has done this).

[Gamecock]

All officer programs in today's navy are extremely difficult to get.  Don't let that discourage you however.  There are also other programs that can get you into an officer program.  If you want to go to the academy, apply for an academy program, and also NAPS.  NAPS is the Naval Academy Prep School, and if selected, you get one year of "prep" school, then get an appointment to the USNA.  If you want NROTC, apply STA-21 and also BOOST.  Completion of BOOST also enables you to potentially get a USNA appointment.  Ensure you talk to the Command Career Counselor once you start training to ensure that you are aware of application deadlines and the latest requirements.

A popular misconception is that NAPS and BOOST are for minorities only.  This is not true.


Its very hard to stand out and get a great recommendation at nuke school, as there are tons of applicants.  Its not as hard to stand out once you get to the boat if you work hard.

Bottom line...if you want a commission, apply again, and again, and again if necessary. 

[mlslstephens]

i was wondering if one is easier to get accepted for than the other, out of the nuclear program.

Are we assuming you do not have a degree?  If you already possess a bachelors degree, than the above options are not available to you.  At that point, you would be looking at OCS.

[War Eagle]

STA-21 requires you to specificaly apply to the nuclear option.

I don't believe that statement is accurate. Now if you're saying that some commands will endorse the nuclear option candidates more strongly than the others, I agree.

https://www.sta-21.navy.mil/

[93-383]

I don't believe that statement is accurate. Now if you're saying that some commands will endorse the nuclear option candidates more strongly than the others, I agree.

https://www.sta-21.navy.mil/

No I'm saying you can only be guaranteed nuclear power in STA-21 by applying to the nuclear option additionally you can only apply to the nuclear option from one of the nuclear training commands as either staff or student.

[War Eagle]

No I'm saying you can only be guaranteed nuclear power in STA-21 by applying to the nuclear option additionally you can only apply to the nuclear option from one of the nuclear training commands as either staff or student.

I understand your statement now and you are correct. 

[Cycoticpenguin]

All officer programs in today's navy are extremely difficult to get.  Don't let that discourage you however.  There are also other programs that can get you into an officer program.  If you want to go to the academy, apply for an academy program, and also NAPS.  NAPS is the Naval Academy Prep School, and if selected, you get one year of "prep" school, then get an appointment to the USNA.  If you want NROTC, apply STA-21 and also BOOST.  Completion of BOOST also enables you to potentially get a USNA appointment.  Ensure you talk to the Command Career Counselor once you start training to ensure that you are aware of application deadlines and the latest requirements.

A popular misconception is that NAPS and BOOST are for minorities only.  This is not true.


Its very hard to stand out and get a great recommendation at nuke school, as there are tons of applicants.  Its not as hard to stand out once you get to the boat if you work hard.

Bottom line...if you want a commission, apply again, and again, and again if necessary. 

BOOST does not exist anymore. When I left for prototype 4 people applied for STA -21 , and they were almost BEGGING for people to apply. In the end they squeezed a proper amount through I do have to say if he is serious about doing this, the Academy is probably the most viable option if he's willing to go through that business. 

can someone explain why STA-21 only allows nuclear option at the schools? I dont understand that.