Here are my questions. I want to put in a package for STA-21 after completing Prototype. Is that possible? I've heard that only Students or Staff can apply for STA-21 as a nuclear option. Also, the website states that only 18 colleges are approved for the nuclear option, however, the nuclear coordinator that I've been talking to says that that's not true. I want to finish my B.S. in chemistry at the Ohio State University, but as I've read, that college is not approved. Who is correct? The coordinator or the website? Only staff and students in the pipeline can apply directly for the nuclear option. Should you decide to wait until you get to the fleet, you can still apply for the Core option which would allow you to apply to the Nuke community while in college. Yes, there are only 18 approved schools for those selected directly for the Nuke option. However, if you were picked up Core option, that limitation would not apply and you could still end up being a Nuke anyway.
There are drawbacks to your plan. The Core option is much more competitive as everyone who applies for STA-21 is allowed to put it as a second choice. Applying as a student will place you against those in the pipeline and a few Staff Instructors, applying for Core will have you competing against a much larger pool of candidates with varying degrees of accomplishments. Alternatively, you could apply to be a Staff Pickup, which would allow you to apply Nuke as well as allowing you to finish the pipeline.
Also, Nuke School consists of college level course work, how much credits of physics and mathematics would I receive from it towards the Ohio State University. You need to speak with someone at Ohio State, as the answer to this question varies with every school of which it is asked. My guess would be zero
I also realize that the STA-21 program requires an ACT and/or SAT score. I've taken both at the beginning of 2009, would I have to retake them if I am planning to apply after Prototype?The test must have been taken within 3 years of submitting your application. The deadline is July 1 every year, so no more than three years before that.
I have also been told that the STA-21 program is in conjuction with NUPOC. Does that mean that I could apply for both and be accepted into both?No.
Also, what is the typical waiting time between boot camp and A-School,2 Days. 9 if you count Indoc
A-School and Nuke School,1 week to 2 months, assuming no hangups with your security clearance.
and Nuke School and Prototype?14 days.
I also want to eventually earn a Ph.D. in chemistry, would the Navy allow me to do so at a school of my own discretion?No, not while you're in the pipeline. Good luck when you're assigned to a ship....
Also, at my time from A-School through Prototype, what am I allowed to do as far as weekend liberties and holidays?There are some limitations while you're in A School for the first couple of weeks, but I wouldn't worry about that until I got there....
I am very confused with how everything is going to turn out. I know that nothing in the military is ever gauranteed unless it's signed on contract. I just want to know what's true and what's not true. The only reason why I want to enlist first is for the enlistment bonuses, otherwise, I would apply for the NROTC scholarship.You're very confused because you have obviously done zero research on your own. You said you looked at the STA-21 website, but did you seek out any of this information you're asking for regarding the program? Or was it just wishful thinking that your Nuclear Recruiter Coordinator isn't lying to you and telling you what you want to hear? The STA 21 website was the official instruction this year because the new revision didn't come out in time for applicants to adhere to it. I'd say the information on there is as accurate as you're going to get.
If you want to be a nuclear officer, go the NROTC scholarship route. If you want to enlist, then do that. But your grand scheme of scamming the system for all its worth is only going to end up with you getting disappointed somewhere along the line, and if you're like most recruits/students, it will all be the Navy's fault. Getting picked up for STA is not a guarantee by any means and is $20,000 really worth the risk of not achieving what you want/think you're capable of for 6 years?
Please answer my questions as soon as possible, I may have more questions later on, but this is all that I can remember for now. Thank you all for your help.I almost didn't respond because of this statement. You're already asking people to do research for you on how you spend the rest of your life, and now you want it
quickly?
https://www.sta-21.navy.mil/You can figure it out from there.
Cheers,
-Nuke MM Staff Pickup FY-10 STA-21 Selectee