1.0 To begin I'd like to thank you for your reply.
Also I thank you for your very direct questions; they inspire very accurate introspection. I appreciate the collected thoughts here.
1.1 My expectation from my "education" is very high. Like many "nuke type minds" (as stereotypical as possible..) I enjoy Engineering - be that Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical or Aerospace. I also love Physics. All of these studies are limited tangibles and thus understanding them takes very dedicated study-with long term discipline. The primary focus for an individual possessing such a desire is to surround oneself with resources which facilitate an admirable education.
2.0 That is the fluffed up junk - albeit an honest protractor.
2.1 The black and white is a comparison in funding. I can get myself through school at Montana State and owe nothing-but will have a limited education. The mathematics program at MSU (Montana State University herein) is not fully appealing. It does not have an applied degree of interest, and outside of the education field, it is limited in its opportunity creation.
2.2 The most respected program of MSU is its emerging engineering faculty. However its research is very limited, it is a new department-and is fostered by wind power in the state. Furthermore as an agricultural state-and harboring a phenomenal microbiological surrounding (Yellowstone Park's geysers and biological interests lie just outside of the university) the engineering program focuses on Biochemistry and Microbiology far too heavily for my interest.
if education is your top priority, why not focus more on making that happen first?
2.3 Limited research, limited opportunity, limited educational value, limited communal or social progression (it's a very small school), all produce an environment which is lacking. I'm also aware that this option will not disappear-I cannot get to old for it. However, I'm already pushing the age of needing a waiver to enter the Navy. If I want to serve (and I do) the clock is ticking out.
2.4 I just don't feel that schooling and Navy need to be separated. I certainly understand while I'm unqualified (3+ years?) that schooling is not a viable option. After that-I'm hoping its more viable? This is my mindset-and what leads me to ask the aforementioned questions for the programs on board the Subs.
The navy will provide you with the tools and opportunities to successfully earn a college degree.
I'm glad to hear that. How can I best put these tools to use while I'm in the Navy,
and after I'm out? -are there programs which are more
streamlined for on board completion?
3.0 My expectations:3.1 Learn how to schedule my day-or better FOLLOW said schedule
3.2 Learn and work on a team environment (one that actually has to care....at least somewhat)
3.3 Learn and experience a valuable trade
3.4 Develop and progress my work ethic
3.5 Remove financial detractors from University possibilities via (GI BILL+TA+NCPACE+STA-21 etc.)
(NUPOC or BDCP if you decide you're open to non-nuclear designators)
Assumed Reference:NROTC or doing BDCP/NUPOC (they are the same program essentially, but the application process is slightly different... NUPOC is for nukes specifically, while BDCP is offered for various other designators). BDCP or NUPOC are the best deals in the Navy...collect E3 (BDCP) or E6 (NUPOC) salary + BAH for up to two years while attending school and having no military responsibility aside from keeping up your grades and keeping your nose clean. Oh, and the time counts as active duty time toward pay. They are very competitive programs, though, so like I said...get A's.
As quoted from:
http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,22571.0.htmlI do want an education. I
will get an education. Its just going to happen-because I want it to damn bad to fail. Being an officer isn't of any great desire to me
at the moment. I want to serve, and I want a degree. Beyond that is too cloudy for me to plan.
Once again I do appreciate the previous responses. Thank you for reading through to this point-I hope this remains readable and that its references are useful to other readers as well.