Happy Uke to be Happy Nuke?

revolution2008 · 02-05-2014, 10:01 AM

I'm kinda in the same boat as you Happyuke.
My AFQT score wasn't as high but my recruiter is pushing for me to take the NAPT to qualify for the Nuke program. At first that's what I wanted to do but it was mainly for all of the dollar signs I saw floating around from it. At MEPS I got the SECF rate as somewhat as a placeholder until I took my test. They said if I passed I would get a new contract for Nuke and if not I'd just stay with what I have.
I too am more interested in computers, so the more I read about SECF the more I'm liking it vs. the nuclear program.
The impression I've gotten so far from different articles and opinions is that the Nuclear field isn't as computer based as I might like.
If you're not really interested in nuclear science that much (like me, I'm more into math) then I'd look into different fields.

Like a friend of mine in the Navy told me before I joined, "Choose your rate, choose your fate"

kforbs126 · 02-05-2014, 10:07 AM

While your re-enlistment bonuses are high the burn our rates are super high and the school drop rates even higher. I've work with a few former Nuke ET's and they said life was pretty crappy. You get paid the same as anyone else in your paygrade. They work a lot inport and underway. 18 hour days were the norm they said.

I would say if you are interested in the nuclear field go for it. If you are doing it for money that's the wrong reason to do it.

Happyuke · 02-05-2014, 10:14 AM

Revolutions: yeah, I found five or six other jobs that look to be more in my interest area then nuke. It's nice to know that I can have a pretty good selection based on my scores though.

Kforbs: I would just be doing it for the money. I don't have that much interest in the nuclear field. So you're right. Probably not worth it.

Thanks for the advice. My recruiter is going to be bummed.

classified9 · 02-05-2014, 10:15 AM

I depped in October and shipping in June for NF, I will agree if you are in a hurry it's not going to happen fast. I love what the program is going to teach me but the more I hear about the training pipeline and the life that follows, if you aren't %100 sold and dedicated to going nuke it IS NOT going to be a fun ride. Do as much research as you can on it, and if it sounds like a good deal then go for it.

LT Guppy · 02-05-2014, 03:23 PM

Do not take nuke for the money. Those that do usually don't last long or are miserable the entire time.

02-05-2014, 10:01 AM	#1
revolution2008 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 20 Rep Power: 0	I'm kinda in the same boat as you Happyuke. My AFQT score wasn't as high but my recruiter is pushing for me to take the NAPT to qualify for the Nuke program. At first that's what I wanted to do but it was mainly for all of the dollar signs I saw floating around from it. At MEPS I got the SECF rate as somewhat as a placeholder until I took my test. They said if I passed I would get a new contract for Nuke and if not I'd just stay with what I have. I too am more interested in computers, so the more I read about SECF the more I'm liking it vs. the nuclear program. The impression I've gotten so far from different articles and opinions is that the Nuclear field isn't as computer based as I might like. If you're not really interested in nuclear science that much (like me, I'm more into math) then I'd look into different fields. Like a friend of mine in the Navy told me before I joined, "Choose your rate, choose your fate"

02-05-2014, 10:07 AM	#2
kforbs126 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: San Diego, Ca Posts: 943 Rep Power: 0	While your re-enlistment bonuses are high the burn our rates are super high and the school drop rates even higher. I've work with a few former Nuke ET's and they said life was pretty crappy. You get paid the same as anyone else in your paygrade. They work a lot inport and underway. 18 hour days were the norm they said. I would say if you are interested in the nuclear field go for it. If you are doing it for money that's the wrong reason to do it.

02-05-2014, 10:14 AM	#3
Happyuke Newbie Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 12 Rep Power: 0	Revolutions: yeah, I found five or six other jobs that look to be more in my interest area then nuke. It's nice to know that I can have a pretty good selection based on my scores though. Kforbs: I would just be doing it for the money. I don't have that much interest in the nuclear field. So you're right. Probably not worth it. Thanks for the advice. My recruiter is going to be bummed.

02-05-2014, 10:15 AM	#4
classified9 Active Duty Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 297 Rep Power: 0	I depped in October and shipping in June for NF, I will agree if you are in a hurry it's not going to happen fast. I love what the program is going to teach me but the more I hear about the training pipeline and the life that follows, if you aren't %100 sold and dedicated to going nuke it IS NOT going to be a fun ride. Do as much research as you can on it, and if it sounds like a good deal then go for it.

02-05-2014, 03:23 PM	#5
LT Guppy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 2,858 Rep Power: 0	Do not take nuke for the money. Those that do usually don't last long or are miserable the entire time.