Navy Nuclear Power School

usna1985 said:
There is a graduation after NPS. It's a huge, nice ceremony with families invited. No ceremony of which I'm aware after prototype, but I could be wrong about that.
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Ok thanks. DS starts NPS in a few weeks so this helps me determine a graduation time frame
 
Definitely go to the NPS graduation, it's definitely worth the trip to Charleston. At one point they were having a small graduation after Prototype but I'm not sure they still do. I know that at least for my son's class a fair few officers missed it because the last few days were crazy and not everyone was able to get signatures in time.
 
NPS graduation is pretty close to exactly 6 months from start date, not accounting for T-giving and winter holidays. One tip -- arrive SUPER early. There is one road (one lane each way) going to NPS. One gate. Lots of security. There are many classes of enlisted and officers graduating. This creates a VERY, VERY LONG and VERY VERY SLOW line to get on base. I left the hotel (what I thought was) super-early and missed the first 10 minutes of the ceremony. And had to stand most of the event since the chairs were taken.

Wear flat or low-heeled shoes as there will likely be a long walk from the parking lot and you'll be standing / walking on grass. They provided everyone a bottle of water, which was good since it was hot.
 
usna1985 said:
NPS graduation is pretty close to exactly 6 months from start date, not accounting for T-giving and winter holidays. One tip -- arrive SUPER early. There is one road (one lane each way) going to NPS. One gate. Lots of security. There are many classes of enlisted and officers graduating. This creates a VERY, VERY LONG and VERY VERY SLOW line to get on base. I left the hotel (what I thought was) super-early and missed the first 10 minutes of the ceremony. And had to stand most of the event since the chairs were taken.

Wear flat or low-heeled shoes as there will likely be a long walk from the parking lot and you'll be standing / walking on grass. They provided everyone a bottle of water, which was good since it was hot.
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Thanks for tips! It will be in January so hopefully cooler !
 
ders_dad said:
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I heard from some semi-reliable sources that most USNA sub selects will be reporting to Charleston in October. Those who are Tier 1 and 2 report in late September for 3 weeks of “get your quantitative “stuff” together” before the engineers report. Those 3 weeks are mandatory.
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im curious what the USNA nukes do this summer while waiting to go to charleston? my DS only had a few weeks between graduation and reporting to NPS. he had to work at the school unit for those weeks. is it similar for USNA ensigns?
 
mcfamilyof4 said:
im curious what the USNA nukes do this summer while waiting to go to charleston? my DS only had a few weeks between graduation and reporting to NPS. he had to work at the school unit for those weeks. is it similar for USNA ensigns?
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There are “stash” jobs on the Yard and around DC. New grads helped out at I-Day, I am sure, though not detailing, of course. There will be some assigned to summer programs to act as division officers for summer schoolers, transient company, other mids resident in Bancroft over the summer. They may be asked to assist a prof with a project. All kinds of assignments. Something to do, but not as arduous as being a mid or looming NPS student. Plenty of time to work out, get healthy, catch up on sleep.
 
mcfamilyof4 said:
im curious what the USNA nukes do this summer while waiting to go to charleston? my DS only had a few weeks between graduation and reporting to NPS. he had to work at the school unit for those weeks. is it similar for USNA ensigns?
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When I graduated, there were a couple of dozen new Ensigns/2nd LTs who were assigned as Sailing Instructors for the plebes. A few who had been varsity sailors helped teach the new instructors and then, once the plebes arrived also served as coaches for the plebes on the sailing team once sports period started.
Personally, I was assigned as CO of one of the 44 footers and had another Ensign to assist me. At that time, plebe summer included an overnight trip on the 44's with 8-10 plebes aboard so this was not a simple assignment.
 
hokiesfan said:
Definitely go to the NPS graduation, it's definitely worth the trip to Charleston. At one point they were having a small graduation after Prototype but I'm not sure they still do. I know that at least for my son's class a fair few officers missed it because the last few days were crazy and not everyone was able to get signatures in time.
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I’d actually tell folks to not miss the Prototype graduation if they can only attend one: it’s on the Yorktown and the graduates’ boats/ships are known. And…It’s just a wicked cool site. The enlisted the ensigns have been working with are mostly off to the fleet and SWOs are off to their ships after this. There are multiple graduations, back-to-back, but it gives you a chance to meet other parents. It all depends on the time of year, I suppose. My sailor’s NPS graduation was in November and 5 seconds after the place only had crickets: they all ran for leave and wanted the heck out of Dodge after power school!
 
Jeepman said:
I have a son about to enter 1st class at USNA. He will be receiving a mechE degree. He is considering nuke school, and I am trying to get my head around what it is and how it works. I understand there is a 15-18 month training program….
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I hope the conversation went well… my kid just completed the three part training program. The first part, Nuclear Power School (NPS) is hard. No other way to put it. It’s basically a year of nuclear engineering graduate school crammed into 6 months. Lots of math and theory. The SWOs and Subs Officers are together for that but divide for Prototype to work on different platforms/ training boats moored at the base. Then the SWOs go off to ships because they’ve already been out & about (they are LTjg’s, Cmdrs/PXOs - former aviators rising to eventually take over command of aircraft carriers), while the mostly ensigns proceed to SOBC (Sub Officer Basic Course). (Not everyone is 22/new to the Navy though: my kid met former Air Force, former enlisted who have enlisted dolphins, and the Aussies are now starting to trickle through Charleston as well. Those PXOs were nearing 40.)

My kid went subs, always wanted it, and is happier than … I was going to say a clam on linguine, but I don’t really know if they’re happy but I see my kid is… once he survived power school.

I’ll share an interesting stat one of the speakers mentioned at his SOBC graduation: of those who re-enlist after 5y nearly half will get to XO and/or command a boat. The speaker’s advice was to approach your career as though you’re going for the full ride. Now I’m aware the speaker has his own re-enlistment agenda, but his words made an impression.

And the best advice my kid got was to look at the missions not just the cool tools/toys. It’s a big part of why he went subs.
 
5centsmom said:
I hope the conversation went well… my kid just completed the three part training program. The first part, Nuclear Power School (NPS) is hard. No other way to put it. It’s basically a year of nuclear engineering graduate school crammed into 6 months. Lots of math and theory. The SWOs and Subs Officers are together for that but divide for Prototype to work on different platforms/ training boats moored at the base. Then the SWOs go off to ships because they’ve already been out & about (they are LTjg’s, Cmdrs/PXOs - former aviators rising to eventually take over command of aircraft carriers), while the mostly ensigns proceed to SOBC (Sub Officer Basic Course). (Not everyone is 22/new to the Navy though: my kid met former Air Force, former enlisted who have enlisted dolphins, and the Aussies are now starting to trickle through Charleston as well. Those PXOs were nearing 40.)

My kid went subs, always wanted it, and is happier than … I was going to say a clam on linguine, but I don’t really know if they’re happy but I see my kid is… once he survived power school.

I’ll share an interesting stat one of the speakers mentioned at his SOBC graduation: of those who re-enlist after 5y nearly half will get to XO and/or command a boat. The speaker’s advice was to approach your career as though you’re going for the full ride. Now I’m aware the speaker has his own re-enlistment agenda, but his words made an impression.

And the best advice my kid got was to look at the missions not just the cool tools/toys. It’s a big part of why he went subs.
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Good general description. One minor quibble - it is not “former aviators” who go through the course as prep for eventual nuke aircraft carrier command. Aircraft carrier command is a naval aviation (pilot and naval flight officer) billet for the unrestricted line officers qualified for command at sea. They are usually on flight orders in that role, and they enjoy visiting and flying with the air wing squadrons embarked for at sea periods and deployments. If they advance to flag rank, they continue to be naval aviators, and may be in roles such as Commander, Naval Air Forces or head up an aviation section at a major staff such as OPNAV, Joint Staff, or eventually be Chief of Naval Operations. The aircraft carrier command will 99% likely be their last set of flying orders with flight pay, though. But they are not “former.” Oh no.
 
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One thing I'll add in regards to service obligations is that both subs and SWO(N) have an additional obligation served concurrently to their 5 years from USNA (and don't forget the 3 years IRR).

After your interview if you choose to go subs, you will be asked to agree to spending 24 months on a submarine (though you'll almost certainly spend closer to 36 months before you can get off it). If you choose to go surface, you'll sign for 28 months on the carrier.

This isn't an issue for those who go subs because their pipeline is around 2 years and their sub tour is around 3 years. The surface nukes sometimes spend closer to 5.5 years in before they can get out (2 years BDOC and first tour + 1 year Power School + 2 years and change for carrier).

This didn't factor into my decision to go surface in the slightest. Most people who want to get out don't do a true 5&dive because you go on shore duty around the 5 year mark, start making nuclear incentive pay, and accrue G.I. Bill benefits. Years 5-7 are a good opportunity to plan your life, meet a partner, apply to jobs/school, and weigh whether you want to stay in or not. If you vouch for yourself and get a little lucky with the detailer, your job could be a very laid back 9-5 type. Not to mention that with nuclear incentive pay, you'll be making ~140k (depending on where you live) on top of all of that.
 
Very interesting. I did not know aviators preparing to command a carrier went through nuke school. I guess it makes sense. DS will be home this week from Japan for a short leave, then head off to nuke school. Actually OOD Phase II, then nuke pre-school.
 
Very interesting. I did not know aviators preparing to command a carrier went through nuke school
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You do not want someone commanding a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier who does not understand nuclear power. It is an abbreviated course of study, since the CO is obviously not personally running the reactor. However, when the ChEng (chief engineer) comes to the CO with a problem, there needs to be a basic level of knowledge to understand the issue and its effect on the ship.

Former USNA Supe Ted Carter (now heading to be President of THE Ohio State University, BTW) said that going through nuke power school was the hardest thing he'd ever done academically . . . by far.
 
ProudDad17 said:
Very interesting. I did not know aviators preparing to command a carrier went through nuke school. I guess it makes sense. DS will be home this week from Japan for a short leave, then head off to nuke school. Actually OOD Phase II, then nuke pre-school.
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They also often go through a Cat III (experienced pilot custom syllabus) stint for each of the of the aircraft types aboard their carrier at the replacement air group (RAG) training squadron for the airframe. Way more fun than nuke school for aviators cram course.
 
usna1985 said:
going through nuke power school was the hardest thing he'd ever done academically . . . by far.
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Can confirm. Nuke school enlisted and officer has me permanently concerned I'm not working hard enough in my PhD because I'm not consistently miserable. Is my PhD easy? No, it's probably the right amount of work to be honest, but my 'normal' meter was broken a long time ago by Admiral Rickover's legacy.
 
usna1985 said:
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Former USNA Supe Ted Carter (now heading to be President of THE Ohio State University, BTW) said that going through nuke power school was the hardest thing he'd ever done academically . . . by far.
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i believe that 100%
 
Capt MJ said:
Good general description. One minor quibble -
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Quibble away: you’re correct of course and always informative! The PXOs are very unique and the two in DS’ section were just great people, too. DS felt fortunate to be in the same section because of the professional tone they set. Their individual paths to NPS were not identical. They received a lot of praise at NPS graduation as, and yes I’m quoting, “National Treasures.”

(I’m just a sub mom, but learning about these 2 prospective commanders gave me even more appreciation for Crozier.)

The SWOs DS befriended in his section were much younger than the PXOs but also had really interesting career paths leading to NPS, which always included time at sea and previous experience leading enlisted. Having these resources/friends helped him through some ‘sticky wickets‘ in Prototype. Yes, even though they were on a different training barge! The advantages of meeting professionals with diverse backgrounds in NPS was an unanticipated bonus.

I haven’t even touched on the people graduating the program in civilian suits, the Reactors folks, etc. Lots of interesting career paths pass through Goose Creek/NPS.

Forgive me for going on & on… I know there are drafts to the sub community and going to power school is not a joyride: I just want to reassure any draftee or on-the-fence folks it’s an amazing opportunity. Demanding AND rewarding.
 
5centsmom said:
Quibble away: you’re correct of course and always informative! The PXOs are very unique and the two in DS’ section were just great people, too. DS felt fortunate to be in the same section because of the professional tone they set. Their individual paths to NPS were not identical. They received a lot of praise at NPS graduation as, and yes I’m quoting, “National Treasures.”

(I’m just a sub mom, but learning about these 2 prospective commanders gave me even more appreciation for Crozier.)

The SWOs DS befriended in his section were much younger than the PXOs but also had really interesting career paths leading to NPS, which always included time at sea and previous experience leading enlisted. Having these resources/friends helped him through some ‘sticky wickets‘ in Prototype. Yes, even though they were on a different training barge! The advantages of meeting professionals with diverse backgrounds in NPS was an unanticipated bonus.

I haven’t even touched on the people graduating the program in civilian suits, the Reactors folks, etc. Lots of interesting career paths pass through Goose Creek/NPS.

Forgive me for going on & on… I know there are drafts to the sub community and going to power school is not a joyride: I just want to reassure any draftee or on-the-fence folks it’s an amazing opportunity. Demanding AND rewarding.
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Thank you for posting this! Our DS has been told by his leadership that he’s on the NPS “radar”. It’s not a surprise (major, caliber of engineering program, how he’s handling advanced physics and calculus classes, etc). He’ll find out in October…. At first there was denial on his part but he is slowly coming around to the idea. We just want him to be prepared to accept it & not feel blindsided - which I’m thankful we are getting there. We plan to attend the announcement ceremony to celebrate with him - whatever he finds out.
 
Boymomof3 said:
Thank you for posting this! Our DS has been told by his leadership that he’s on the NPS “radar”…. We plan to attend the announcement ceremony to celebrate with him - whatever he finds out.
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That’s so special! Family support is so critical, especially for single sailors, as they get through the training process.

There are many forks in the road ahead and Navy Needs are the priority of course. My DS has gotten his top choice at every step so far (we’ve always called him “Lucky”) but that won’t always happen.

My kid’s section happened to have several draftees but DS said he only sort of knew of one person in another section who was seriously unhappy.

Here’s a seemingly worse case scenario: one lass was drafted subs, had to show up at Goose Creek 7 days after graduation, was nearly yanked out of the last training phase weeks before its completion (last minute reprieve gave her 3 days after its completion to get to the boat), and was assigned a boat type and port that weren’t even listed on her preference list. Yeah. Bummer. But this young officer was all grins and “game on” in describing her adventure. I’m just waiting for my kid to have a chance to communicate to find out how her story continues…last he heard she really liked her female senior officers and was settling in well.

But she was his NPS’ class odd-case scenario: pretty much everyone got their #1 choice for port and boat type. Subs are based in some pretty nice places…

I hope your DS gets a chance to do a sub cruise in the summer (we know kids who did sub and aviation in the same summer too). My lad finagled a sub cruise even after he received admission to NPS (he was accepted Jr year spring). He spent a couple weeks on board a Seawolf class boat and it blew his mind: after that he no longer described his motivation as nuclear power but as the type of missions he’d be part of. We have no idea what those are but apparently they are the coolest!
 
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