NUPOC: Surface vs. Subs

[johnmyson]

Does anyone have any advice on deciding to go surface or sub in the NUPOC program?

My first instinct was to go carrier (more people, gyms, chance of seeing daylight every once in a while), but after doing some research I’m considering switching to subs (seems more exciting and prestigious).

What are the differences between the two communities?
How does the life of a nuke officer differ between the two?

 

[johnmyson]

Well there are women on surface ships right? Is that good, bad, or both?

 

[av8tor]

Unfortunately unless you are a female then you'll have a hard time getting surface nuke anytime soon. If your a female then you'll have to go surface. So since your probably male then I guess your question is fast attack vs. boomer.

 

[PU Grad]

They can't "make" you choose subs. The sub fleet is an entirely voluntary service. If you don't volunteer it might make a consideration on your application and if you get in you may end up just being an instructor and not assigned to a ship.

Kobyra

 

[av8tor]

True. NR Engineer is the desigantion for instructors. GPA 3.3 or higher. If you want instructor be sure to apply for it prior to submitting your application.

 

[Thisguy]

Johnmyson,

Your reasoning to go surface because you'll see the sun now and then is a common one, and also a wrong one. Nukes are a few decks down from the flight deck, so unless you're an aviator or you work on the flight deck or in the tower, you won't see the light of day. A carrier is not like a small boy where you can be outside while underway for no apparent reason. Second, surface fills up years in advance, so basically, you'll only get surface if you're a sophomore or junior in college.

The biggest difference in the two communities is the career goals/path. If you just want a resume builder and are going to get out after 5 years, both are great. However, if you think you may want to stay navy the major difference is that on a sub, all the sub officers are nuclear trained, which means while you may be in the reactor department, you'll also get to be in charge of steering the sub and are qualified for any job on the sub based on your rank. If you're really gung ho, you can get your master's on shore duty and be an engineer department head and get spot promoted to LCDR by your 7th year. However, being the engineer is tough, and may not be worth the extra money ;-) Also the ultimate goal is to Skipper a sub by the time you're 0-5.

If you go surface, after your initial SWO tour, once you hit the carrier, you're in the reactor department. You're a specialist on a large ship, and the goal is to be the 0-5 dept. head on a carrier.

 

[Thisguy]

Another thing...

Instructor, NR Engineer, and NUPOC are all separate. You must apply to each one separately, you don't just throw your hat into the pool and get one. Instructor and NR Engineer are more difficult to get because you're not an unrestricted Line officer in the navy. You get commissioned at OIS instead of OCS and you either teach at nuclear power school (3.3+ to apply) or you'll work at NR Washington where you had your interview with ADM Bowman (3.8 GPA is considered competitive). The big difference with the OIS billets is that you can not make a naval career out of either of them.

 

[klinzou]

Maybe I am confused, but i didn't know about all these programs. I want to be a Naval nuclear engineer. Isn't the correct program to join NUPOC? I have a 3.25 gpa with 2 years left and I know my gpa will be rising from this point on. Is this GPA OK, and is this the correct program?

 

[cjp03]

If you want to be a Naval Nuclear Engineer (serve on a carrier or a sub) then the NUPOC program is for you. The GPAs for Nuclear Instructor and Nuclear Reactor Engineer are minimums for these programs. Just because you meet these minimums doesn't mean you have to go into these programs. Like Thisguy20 said the Reactor Engineers don't go out into the fleet they are based in D.C

 

[bshornet]

hey guys,
Hows it going, I just happen to find this forum and i think it is really awsome that i did. I just found out information about the NUPOC program and i am currently trying to get accepted. it would be great to hear from people that are also pursing it and especially those who have been accepted.

 

[snizo]

I flipped back and forth a bit about the sub community before I settled on aviation (only took one flight with a squadron to do that!), but I did get a lot of info while I was trying to decide and spent some time on a submarine a while ago.

Nuclear power school is going to be difficult. Even after you get on the boat/sub, you can expect to spend a lot of time studying for your qualifications. You are rewarded for your efforts, though. Pay is generally better (especially on a sub) and being a nuclear trained officer in the Navy is a great thing to be able to put on your resume. If you want to stay in, you can have a long and good career as well.

You mentioned being outside -- and you do get to do this on a sub as a nuke! After you get your pin, you 'move up' through the ship and start working on your OOD qualifications (the guy who commands the ship from the bridge/control). When you are surfaced ... that means you can be the guy up on the sail (on top of the sub) commanding the boat out in the middle of the ocean. Let me tell you -- that is quite an experience to be up there with nothing around you but the water!!

Good luck with the program! Either way you go, you will enjoy some good benefits and have a great time.

 

[jburnes]

I'm currently trying to get accepted as a NUPOC as well. My app. just left the processer so hopefully I'll be on the next vip trip.

I think the best part of this program is that you start getting grilled at the tech. interviews even before you are accepted into the Navy. From things I've read on the net and people I've talked to, it seems like the constant testing never ends. If that's the case why would anyone choose not to be on a sub?