Up-Screened for Naval Reactor Interview?

[zippy]

All,

I’m a rising MIDN 1/C and I have done everything I can to be assigned aviator. I have a 7/8/8 ASTB, 3.8 GPA, 285 PRT, and have ranked in the top 5 for the past few semesters. I got an email today saying I up-screened for a naval reactor interview. Does this have any bearing on being assigned aviator, or am I in trouble here?

This is where Ds and Cs in calc and physics as a social science major pay off in the short term for those taking note...

You excelled in class, good on you. There’s a decent risk you’re going to be drafted into nuke so mentally prepare for that.

Option A) Go to the interview, don’t freak out about it, just work the problems and have a frank discussion with DNR about your goals in life and how the Nuke pipeline isn’t part of your ambitions and let the chips fall.

Option B) Talk to your MOI about a cross commission to the Marine Corps with an Air Contract... it’ll mean you go to the PLC combined course after you graduate and TBS but most any MOS in the Marine Corps is probably less miserable than Nuke life.

 

[Pags]

If you have to go interview take it seriously, knock it out of the park, and when asked if you want to be a Nuke be honest with the Admiral about Aviator being your top choice.

 

[hscs]

If you have to go interview take it seriously, knock it out of the park, and when asked if you want to be a Nuke be honest with the Admiral about Aviator being your top choice.

Completely agree with this. Don’t try and BS them or purposely tank it. They have seen everything and will see thru any shenanigans.

 

[Beans]

I don’t understand the part about the 1/C MIDN. My LTs are saying that this only means that if I don’t pick up pilot I have to interview. Did that 1/C MIDN in question not pick up pilot, and if so, was there a reason besides the nuke stuff?

Yeah, you're just prescreened - meaning (IIRC) you're eligible to interview. Sounds like they'll wait until after service assignment to decide whether or not to send you for the interview. Breathe easy and work on your med qualification - if you're med up for SNA prior to service assignment (difficult to achieve even if you knock out all your appointments), it looks good, or so I was told.

 

[Hair Warrior]

Bring a geiger counter.

 

[ryan.aldrich]

Our class had a sub-draft too, and at least for us going subs wasn't a voluntary thing although they like to promote that. My good friend was drafted to the interview, he had studied so he didn't look bad (Option A) and he told DNR he had zero interest in subs. They said great, welcome to sub community and that he can volunteer to take the bonus or not, but was going subs. On service selection night they held back all of the draftee's information until sub interview completed, my buddy being one of those guys.

Sounds like they are starting early this year to avoid that.

IMHO figure out who the Senior Aviator on the yard is and if you have any connections to him through a company Officer or professor and try to see if they can arrange a meeting. Express your extreme interest in aviation, and tactful lack of desire to go nuke to him in a respectful and appropriate setting. The problem is that they are targeting a lot of people with good grades etc.. and those same people may also be seeking an aviation billet. So you'll be one of many and he may not be interested in hearing individual sob stories. I wouldn't study for the interview unless you are trying to impress DNR.

 

[bunny_0329]

All,

I’m a rising MIDN 1/C and I have done everything I can to be assigned aviator. I have a 7/8/8 ASTB, 3.8 GPA, 285 PRT, and have ranked in the top 5 for the past few semesters. I got an email today saying I up-screened for a naval reactor interview. Does this have any bearing on being assigned aviator, or am I in trouble here?

Of the three Nuke LTs I've met in my Unit, I've had an exercise science, psychology, and a chemistry. Each one was as successful on subs as the one before.

Rising 1/C as well and, sadly, I'm in the same boat as you. 3.7 Mech Engineering and 65 8/8/8 ASTB. Sub drafts are a real thing, and I got the email to which you are referring as well. Pretty much shit myself, but its all about the needs of the Navy and your desire to serve... My class adviser (an aviator) has told me not to worry too much, as its hard to give a 3.7 and 8/8/8 candidate for SNA his 4th/5th service selection choice. To be honest I don't think I put subs on there at all just to be safe. Maybe try to have the same conversation with your adviser.

 

[WannabeActual]

Of the three Nuke LTs I've met in my Unit, I've had an exercise science, psychology, and a chemistry. Each one was as successful on subs as the one before.

Rising 1/C as well and, sadly, I'm in the same boat as you. 3.7 Mech Engineering and 65 8/8/8 ASTB. Sub drafts are a real thing, and I got the email to which you are referring as well. Pretty much shit myself, but its all about the needs of the Navy and your desire to serve... My class adviser (an aviator) has told me not to worry too much, as its hard to give a 3.7 and 8/8/8 candidate for SNA his 4th/5th service selection choice. To be honest I don't think I put subs on there at all just to be safe. Maybe try to have the same conversation with your adviser.

Good to know there's plenty of us in the same spot. Rising 1/C, 3.7 Mech E and 68 8/7/6 ASTB. Just got done 'applying' for nuclear power in the least enthusiastic way possible. Per my adviser, it's pretty much get your number one, or get drafted.

 

[bunny_0329]

Good to know there's plenty of us in the same spot. Rising 1/C, 3.7 Mech E and 68 8/7/6 ASTB. Just got done 'applying' for nuclear power in the least enthusiastic way possible. Per my adviser, it's pretty much get your number one, or get drafted.

For my sake I sure hope it’s “get your number one, or get NFO”

 

[IRfly]

Try another tack: get a hardcore haircut, thick-ass glasses, grow a nasty little mustache, and when you get to the interview talk about how you've worked your whole life to be trusted with responsibility for weapons that can destroy the world.

End with, "Joyfully standing by to be assimilated, sir!"