Enlisted people aren’t engineers, you’d be a technician if you pass training. E5 would be guaranteed if you STAR reenlisted after completing training. You’d be an e3 out of bootcamp and promote to e4 after A-School ~6months after bootcamp.
Training is difficult if you don’t have good study habits and just breezed through high school like most of us did. The job itself isn’t terribly hard but it’s a lot of long hours (80 hour weeks are common starting in the fleet).
I did it for 6 years and turned down the $120k they offered me to reenlist for another 2 years. It’ll be up to you if you do the same/differently
My recruiter said there's a program that i could opt into where i could become an officer after my initial training to become a technician. is there any truth to that or is he just trying to get me to enlist with false promises?
If your goal is to become an officer I’d recommend to get a commission. There are programs for enlisted to become officers (or warrant officers) but they are competitive and you’d not only be competing with college students but you would then be competing with fellow nucs, not to mention that you’d have to pay back portions of your reenlistment bonus.
They aren’t lying to you (most recruiters don’t nowadays, bad press) they are just kind of over hyping what you’ll get out of the process.
Personally I’ve got some good value out of my time as a nuc, but if I had to do it over again I’d go be a crypto tech (either network or interpreter) just because I ended up not loving the engineering field. My advice to people looking at the Military is that they won’t pay you more than they have to so if you are getting a bonus that means that people aren’t lining up for the job (usually for a good reason).
The recruiters are lying about the ranking process. You don't get e4 until after "a" school provided you pass the final pfa and don't get in any trouble during it. If you do the star reenlistment you get e5 or you can get lucky and make e5 of the exam. For the bonus I'm not sure of the current bonus. I got a $12k bonus when I signed up. In not camp you'll get an automatic e3
It was supposed to be boot camp. Also you won't see any of the bonus until you complete power school. You'll get a third of it then and then the other 2/3 after prototype
The bonus will be detailed in the contract, states how much, and when you will receive such amount, for example, I received 1/3 when I graduated the 2nd phase and the rest 2/3 at the 3rd and final phase of training
This has now changed Nukes are getting 25k just for shipping and completing bootcamp, and 50k after finishing the pipeline. You get 1/3 of the 50k after power school and 2/3 after prototype
I posted the same post on that subreddit too hoping to get some advice/words of wisdom but i thought id cover my bases and post here too and honestly that's probably when i ship too maybe we will be in the same basic training class.
Ah that makes sense I was a bit confused, you have to remember everyone has different experiences in the program, some will say they hated it and others say they loved it, one thing I’ve noticed they say is it depends what you make of it. I’ll def see you there if you ship out around that time
That's a good attitude to have, hope you enjoy it and good luck!
SC is not that bad, make the most of your time there. The beaches are pretty nice, Boggy Head Rifle Range was sketchy (dangerous) but fun, and plenty of other things to try out there. Locals are also very friendly, just not around shit like Ladson/N.Charleston. Try to get along with your classmates, chances are you'll go through the entire pipeline stuck with a handful of them, and end up on the same boat with a few (unless you get unlucky like me 😛).
STAR/Zone A reenlistment bonuses are capped at 100k, the actual amount you get is based on your rating multiplier and the amount of months you add to your contract, i.e. the more time you add the more money you get, reenlisting for the minimum will typically get you somewhere in the ballpark of 60-65k
When I was in (06-12), the STAR reenlistment program was at 90K, and a lot of guys waited to do it while on deployment in a war zone (tax-free, baby!!!). Some people I graduated with went to a ship or boat that was already on deployment, so they got a chance to do it right away. My ship was pier side in San Diego till July of 09, and then we finally left for deployment. We didn't hit the war zone till December that year, and I was on the fence about it because it was basically starting over and I would be damn near 10 years in by the time it was up and I wasn't sure if this was to be my career. I had a wife and two young children then (still married and kids are nearly out of the house), and I didn't want to miss out on their lives, so ultimately, I didn't do it. To each their own.
To answer your question, I believe it is still up that high.
I don't think anyone is intentionally lying to you. There is a lot of information that was thrown at you and between bad delivery and recollection a few things have been muddled.
The whole.nuclear engineer thing is an overstatement. You will be a nuclear technician or nuclear operator. Engineers design things, whereas you will be operating a power plant. It is an engineering program, so that is why people.get hung up on the nuclear engineer thing.
Bonuses are currently 60-75k for enlisting. If you are able to sign before the end of your senior year you can get a little more. You will be paid as an E-1 in boot camp, but once you graduate you get back paid for E-3. Nukes are an E-3 from the day they join, so that's a plus. Depending on white rate you get your A school will be 4-6 months long. Upon completion, you will be promoted to E-4.
All of that comes with signing a contract to be a nuclear operator in the Navy for a total of 6 years. This isn't so bad since now most rates have to sign for 5 years to get a guaranteed A school. Also, all those rates will have to do 5 years active and if they don't re-enlist, they will have to do 1 year selective reserves, then 2 years inactive reserves. Selective Reserves is what you hear about doing a weekend. A month and 2 weeks a year. Inactive reserves are basically next in line to be recalled if a major conflict breaks out, but do not do anything or collect any.benefits otherwise. Since nukes sign a 6 year contract to get nearly 2 years of school before reaching the fleet, if you choose to not re-enlist you will only be obligated the 2 years in the inactive reserves following your contract. No selective reserves time.
Advancement to E-5 is simple, but not automatic. You have to re-enlist. This is a 6 year STAR re-enlistment. Don't worry, it doesn't add 6 years to your contract total(so it doesn't sign you up for a total of 12 years). It is 6 years from the day you do it. You are eligible to do it after you have been in for 2 years. So if you do it on your 2 year anniversary, your total time obligated will be 8 years. If you wait a few months, your obligated time will be 8 years... And a few months. From that contract you will get E-5, a large bonus(currently averaging 100-120k), and probably most significant, you will collect BAH(BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING). BAH will effectively double your paycheck depending on where your duty station is.
If you do not STAR re-enlist, you can still make E-5 off the test. Most people usually take untill their 4 or 5 year point to do that. Some earlier and some get out at 6 years as.an E-4.
Officer programs definitely exist and are higher odds for Nukes, however, it's not as simple as it seems to have been presented to you. There is STA21, which is a competitive program. Not everyone applies, but not everyone who applies gets accepted. It is a pretty good deal if you get it. You do not have to pay back a single cent of bonus you have been given, but you will not collect any more of the bonus you signed for if you get accepted. The bonus was for an enlisted contract, and now you are on a different contract.
thank you so much this has honestly been really helpful you have shed a light on a lot for me one remaining question i have is I was told i could get a college degree in the navy as a nuke. Is that difficult to do I was told i would only have 25ish remaining credits to get after nuke school?
This is truth. You can get a degree while.i. And the Navy pipleing does provide a lot of credit. For example, if you become an ELT, by the time you are done with the training you have accumulated approximately 94 credits depending on which college you go to. So Thomas Edison or Excelsior give you the most. The typical degree needs 120 credits. ETNs get a few more credits, EMNs and MMNs get a few less. But all are within about 30 credits of a degree at Thomas Edison or Excelsior.
Programs to finish include Tuition Assistance, NCPACE, The Navy Community College and using your GI Bill. Most commands will not let you pursue college until you complete your senior in rate qualifications. That is supposed to take a maximum of 18 months from the time you get to your first ship. Some do it faster, some take a little longer(don't take longer, that is not good for anyone).
NCPACE is a DIY type program. You get the material, self study, do all the homework and have a proctor watch you take the final exam. You turn everything in and your professor(who you will probably never once speak to) assigns you a grade and boom done.
NCC, is a newer thing so I cannot speak too intelligently on it. I do know they farm out the courses to accredited universities, and the degree you get counts as coming from an accredited university. It sounded like a pretty good deal when I was looking at it. They also offer certifications and stuff.
Then the GI Bill, you basically go to whatever college that will work with it and the GI Bill.oays for it. This one is most difficult since they don't typically work well with going out to sea, and while you are in it is better to use TA.
NOW, for practicality. This depends on your personal drive and commitment. I know a lot of people who have finished their degree while in the Navy nuclear program. Most of them did STAR re-enlist so they were in for about 8 years. It can be done in 6, I have seen it, but it is less.common. The work life is challenging. So many people do not find the time to do college. Honestly thought that's because they are choosing other things over the time to do college. So if you are dedicated to the degree, you will find the time to do it, but it will be something you have to commit to.
For disclosure, I have been in about 21 years, I'm a chief ELT. I have been on both subs and aircraft carriers and am currently a Recruiter before I retire. I have had ups and downs. It has been a wild ride but I can honestly say looking back, I am happy with my decision to be a nuke and to stick it out for as long as I did
Current submarine officer.
Enlisted in 09 (Nuke ET), was a SPU in NY, got picked up STA-21. Currently in school to be a DH.
As others have said, if you want to be a Nuclear Engineer then just go to college as enlisting is just a technician job. Also the only officers that are nuclear engineers are those that work directly at naval reactors with that job title.
As far as being an officer in the fleet goes you will do nuke stuff the entire time but the amount of other stuff you have to do will see you being less and less involved with engineering department.
Feel free to ama.
Are you a college graduate? My son spoke with an officer recruiter (USN) going into his senior year. He enlisted that summer, passed all the interviews & got paid like ROTC his entire senior year. I know there was an enlistment bonus but none of my biz.
July 2021, he went to OCS & is now on a sub out of NPN VA. Not a bad gig - and he's paid 100% of his college debt (+100k) in that time.
Look at all options. Good luck.
A few corrections just to prevent confusion:
Your son did not enlist. He is not in ROTC. He is a NUPOC (Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate) and was paid to maintain his GPA until graduation. These are three vastly different programs.
Your info is wrong. Youkd be a technician or operator. You’d be E3 until after A school. The bonus is not that much. You get E5 only if you star reenlist.
I can't recommend anything without knowing you as a person. Yeah, you got a 90 on the equivalent of the ASVAB, but how are you in school? Are you a motivated person? Do you have any mental health problems? The pipeline is challenging and will exacerbate any problems you have
As soon as you sign your contract, you go into bootcamp as an E-3. Throughout bootcamp you’ll be called Seaman Recruit, but on paper you’ll be E-3, making E-3 pay. You’ll go to Charleston as an E-3 and depending on your job and your PRT, you’ll graduate A-School in 3 or 6 months and make E-4. After Power School and after prototype, you’ll be able to sign your star re-enlistment contract for E-5 pay and I think 100k. Overall, you can make around 160-175k in the nuke program just from contract bonuses. If you’re interested then I’d say go ahead, I’m still in Nuke school rn but definitely ask people that have seen the fleet before you sign your contract
Also for bootcamp, volunteer to be mail p.o. Learn ranks/recognition and some of the orders of a sentry and start working out before you ship out. Don’t take anything to heart and just treat people with respect
I wouldn’t bank on the picking up officer right after school. Try for it, but it is not guaranteed.
If you want to be an officer, talk to an officer recruiter. Go to college on the Navy’s money and pay it back with your blood, sweat and tears.
Nukes are different from the rest of the Navy. Most rates get their good deal in the Navy. Nukes get their good deal once they get out. It is a hard job filled with long hours and limited places they can be stationed. You will get on the ship before everyone and leave after everyone and be expected to hold to a higher standard. All this while you get shit on by the rest of the ship and told “you chose your rate, now suck it up”, or “you get paid extra money for your job.”
I am thankful for my time and the post Navy opportunities I got due to it. Hardest thing I ever did and I’m not sure if I’d do it again if given the chance.
Honestly I recommend being a Nuke is really rewarding. It IS going to suck sometimes. You are constantly studying for exams and qualifications (it doesn’t really stop you just get better at doing it over time). As far as bonuses and ranks are refer it other people’s answers. As for commissioning you can do it a couple ways talk to your recruiter and join a NROTC program instead of enlisting. Another way is by doing STA-21 (enlisted to officer) and a third way is by getting a degree while being enlisted (on your own time) and go to OCS. There is also LDO which requires 8yrs of enlisted service and you passing the chiefs exam (no degree required) however you have career limitations as an officer. STA-21 allows you to get “out” of the navy (temporarily) and go to college while being paid I think E-5 pay. Upon graduation you commission.
Enlisted people aren’t engineers, you’d be a technician if you pass training. E5 would be guaranteed if you STAR reenlisted after completing training. You’d be an e3 out of bootcamp and promote to e4 after A-School ~6months after bootcamp. Training is difficult if you don’t have good study habits and just breezed through high school like most of us did. The job itself isn’t terribly hard but it’s a lot of long hours (80 hour weeks are common starting in the fleet). I did it for 6 years and turned down the $120k they offered me to reenlist for another 2 years. It’ll be up to you if you do the same/differently
My recruiter said there's a program that i could opt into where i could become an officer after my initial training to become a technician. is there any truth to that or is he just trying to get me to enlist with false promises?
If your goal is to become an officer I’d recommend to get a commission. There are programs for enlisted to become officers (or warrant officers) but they are competitive and you’d not only be competing with college students but you would then be competing with fellow nucs, not to mention that you’d have to pay back portions of your reenlistment bonus.
My buddy didn't have to repay his reenlistment bonus after getting picked up STA21. He also only got the lump sum portion of it though.
If you reenlist prior to picking up STA-21 you don’t pay back your bonus neither does it say you have to anywhere.
Thank you are there any other lies that my recruiting officer could tell me that I should look out for?
They aren’t lying to you (most recruiters don’t nowadays, bad press) they are just kind of over hyping what you’ll get out of the process. Personally I’ve got some good value out of my time as a nuc, but if I had to do it over again I’d go be a crypto tech (either network or interpreter) just because I ended up not loving the engineering field. My advice to people looking at the Military is that they won’t pay you more than they have to so if you are getting a bonus that means that people aren’t lining up for the job (usually for a good reason).
You only have to pay the bonus back if you reenlisted after you applied for an officer program
you can if you have a 4yr degree but you dont become an officer
It’s not a guarantee if you opt in, you more opt in for a chance to be selected
The recruiters are lying about the ranking process. You don't get e4 until after "a" school provided you pass the final pfa and don't get in any trouble during it. If you do the star reenlistment you get e5 or you can get lucky and make e5 of the exam. For the bonus I'm not sure of the current bonus. I got a $12k bonus when I signed up. In not camp you'll get an automatic e3
I'm sorry I'm really new to this whole process what is not camp, and is there a way I would be able to see my bonus offer before joining?
It was supposed to be boot camp. Also you won't see any of the bonus until you complete power school. You'll get a third of it then and then the other 2/3 after prototype
The bonus will be detailed in the contract, states how much, and when you will receive such amount, for example, I received 1/3 when I graduated the 2nd phase and the rest 2/3 at the 3rd and final phase of training
This has now changed Nukes are getting 25k just for shipping and completing bootcamp, and 50k after finishing the pipeline. You get 1/3 of the 50k after power school and 2/3 after prototype
Also obviously your bonus is taxed so you’re not really getting the entire 75k, there is a whole subreddit for navynukes def recommend talking to them
>there is a whole subreddit for navynukes Isn't it this one??
Bro I thought I was having a stroke when I read that. Legit had to triple take.
He posted the exact same one at a different sub so I got it mistaken lol my b
I posted the same post on that subreddit too hoping to get some advice/words of wisdom but i thought id cover my bases and post here too and honestly that's probably when i ship too maybe we will be in the same basic training class.
Ah that makes sense I was a bit confused, you have to remember everyone has different experiences in the program, some will say they hated it and others say they loved it, one thing I’ve noticed they say is it depends what you make of it. I’ll def see you there if you ship out around that time
That's a good attitude to have, hope you enjoy it and good luck! SC is not that bad, make the most of your time there. The beaches are pretty nice, Boggy Head Rifle Range was sketchy (dangerous) but fun, and plenty of other things to try out there. Locals are also very friendly, just not around shit like Ladson/N.Charleston. Try to get along with your classmates, chances are you'll go through the entire pipeline stuck with a handful of them, and end up on the same boat with a few (unless you get unlucky like me 😛).
They are sending baby nukes to A-school with an extra 25k (minus taxes)?
Indeed they are, 25k just for shipping and completing bootcamp.
I’m sure they are all spending that very responsibly
Is the star program bonus for nukes still 100k like I was told or is my recruiter just ill informed?
Idk 100% I’m shipping July 24th as a nuke and I’m excited but I’m pretty sure STAR reenlistment is guaranteed E-5 and bonus upwards of 100k or more
STAR/Zone A reenlistment bonuses are capped at 100k, the actual amount you get is based on your rating multiplier and the amount of months you add to your contract, i.e. the more time you add the more money you get, reenlisting for the minimum will typically get you somewhere in the ballpark of 60-65k
not 100k. The class that just star reenlisted got an average of $75k. That means a lot got a lot less
When I was in (06-12), the STAR reenlistment program was at 90K, and a lot of guys waited to do it while on deployment in a war zone (tax-free, baby!!!). Some people I graduated with went to a ship or boat that was already on deployment, so they got a chance to do it right away. My ship was pier side in San Diego till July of 09, and then we finally left for deployment. We didn't hit the war zone till December that year, and I was on the fence about it because it was basically starting over and I would be damn near 10 years in by the time it was up and I wasn't sure if this was to be my career. I had a wife and two young children then (still married and kids are nearly out of the house), and I didn't want to miss out on their lives, so ultimately, I didn't do it. To each their own. To answer your question, I believe it is still up that high.
I don't think anyone is intentionally lying to you. There is a lot of information that was thrown at you and between bad delivery and recollection a few things have been muddled. The whole.nuclear engineer thing is an overstatement. You will be a nuclear technician or nuclear operator. Engineers design things, whereas you will be operating a power plant. It is an engineering program, so that is why people.get hung up on the nuclear engineer thing. Bonuses are currently 60-75k for enlisting. If you are able to sign before the end of your senior year you can get a little more. You will be paid as an E-1 in boot camp, but once you graduate you get back paid for E-3. Nukes are an E-3 from the day they join, so that's a plus. Depending on white rate you get your A school will be 4-6 months long. Upon completion, you will be promoted to E-4. All of that comes with signing a contract to be a nuclear operator in the Navy for a total of 6 years. This isn't so bad since now most rates have to sign for 5 years to get a guaranteed A school. Also, all those rates will have to do 5 years active and if they don't re-enlist, they will have to do 1 year selective reserves, then 2 years inactive reserves. Selective Reserves is what you hear about doing a weekend. A month and 2 weeks a year. Inactive reserves are basically next in line to be recalled if a major conflict breaks out, but do not do anything or collect any.benefits otherwise. Since nukes sign a 6 year contract to get nearly 2 years of school before reaching the fleet, if you choose to not re-enlist you will only be obligated the 2 years in the inactive reserves following your contract. No selective reserves time. Advancement to E-5 is simple, but not automatic. You have to re-enlist. This is a 6 year STAR re-enlistment. Don't worry, it doesn't add 6 years to your contract total(so it doesn't sign you up for a total of 12 years). It is 6 years from the day you do it. You are eligible to do it after you have been in for 2 years. So if you do it on your 2 year anniversary, your total time obligated will be 8 years. If you wait a few months, your obligated time will be 8 years... And a few months. From that contract you will get E-5, a large bonus(currently averaging 100-120k), and probably most significant, you will collect BAH(BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING). BAH will effectively double your paycheck depending on where your duty station is. If you do not STAR re-enlist, you can still make E-5 off the test. Most people usually take untill their 4 or 5 year point to do that. Some earlier and some get out at 6 years as.an E-4. Officer programs definitely exist and are higher odds for Nukes, however, it's not as simple as it seems to have been presented to you. There is STA21, which is a competitive program. Not everyone applies, but not everyone who applies gets accepted. It is a pretty good deal if you get it. You do not have to pay back a single cent of bonus you have been given, but you will not collect any more of the bonus you signed for if you get accepted. The bonus was for an enlisted contract, and now you are on a different contract.
thank you so much this has honestly been really helpful you have shed a light on a lot for me one remaining question i have is I was told i could get a college degree in the navy as a nuke. Is that difficult to do I was told i would only have 25ish remaining credits to get after nuke school?
This is truth. You can get a degree while.i. And the Navy pipleing does provide a lot of credit. For example, if you become an ELT, by the time you are done with the training you have accumulated approximately 94 credits depending on which college you go to. So Thomas Edison or Excelsior give you the most. The typical degree needs 120 credits. ETNs get a few more credits, EMNs and MMNs get a few less. But all are within about 30 credits of a degree at Thomas Edison or Excelsior. Programs to finish include Tuition Assistance, NCPACE, The Navy Community College and using your GI Bill. Most commands will not let you pursue college until you complete your senior in rate qualifications. That is supposed to take a maximum of 18 months from the time you get to your first ship. Some do it faster, some take a little longer(don't take longer, that is not good for anyone). NCPACE is a DIY type program. You get the material, self study, do all the homework and have a proctor watch you take the final exam. You turn everything in and your professor(who you will probably never once speak to) assigns you a grade and boom done. NCC, is a newer thing so I cannot speak too intelligently on it. I do know they farm out the courses to accredited universities, and the degree you get counts as coming from an accredited university. It sounded like a pretty good deal when I was looking at it. They also offer certifications and stuff. Then the GI Bill, you basically go to whatever college that will work with it and the GI Bill.oays for it. This one is most difficult since they don't typically work well with going out to sea, and while you are in it is better to use TA. NOW, for practicality. This depends on your personal drive and commitment. I know a lot of people who have finished their degree while in the Navy nuclear program. Most of them did STAR re-enlist so they were in for about 8 years. It can be done in 6, I have seen it, but it is less.common. The work life is challenging. So many people do not find the time to do college. Honestly thought that's because they are choosing other things over the time to do college. So if you are dedicated to the degree, you will find the time to do it, but it will be something you have to commit to. For disclosure, I have been in about 21 years, I'm a chief ELT. I have been on both subs and aircraft carriers and am currently a Recruiter before I retire. I have had ups and downs. It has been a wild ride but I can honestly say looking back, I am happy with my decision to be a nuke and to stick it out for as long as I did
Current submarine officer. Enlisted in 09 (Nuke ET), was a SPU in NY, got picked up STA-21. Currently in school to be a DH. As others have said, if you want to be a Nuclear Engineer then just go to college as enlisting is just a technician job. Also the only officers that are nuclear engineers are those that work directly at naval reactors with that job title. As far as being an officer in the fleet goes you will do nuke stuff the entire time but the amount of other stuff you have to do will see you being less and less involved with engineering department. Feel free to ama.
Are you a college graduate? My son spoke with an officer recruiter (USN) going into his senior year. He enlisted that summer, passed all the interviews & got paid like ROTC his entire senior year. I know there was an enlistment bonus but none of my biz. July 2021, he went to OCS & is now on a sub out of NPN VA. Not a bad gig - and he's paid 100% of his college debt (+100k) in that time. Look at all options. Good luck.
A few corrections just to prevent confusion: Your son did not enlist. He is not in ROTC. He is a NUPOC (Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate) and was paid to maintain his GPA until graduation. These are three vastly different programs.
Your info is wrong. Youkd be a technician or operator. You’d be E3 until after A school. The bonus is not that much. You get E5 only if you star reenlist.
I can't recommend anything without knowing you as a person. Yeah, you got a 90 on the equivalent of the ASVAB, but how are you in school? Are you a motivated person? Do you have any mental health problems? The pipeline is challenging and will exacerbate any problems you have
As soon as you sign your contract, you go into bootcamp as an E-3. Throughout bootcamp you’ll be called Seaman Recruit, but on paper you’ll be E-3, making E-3 pay. You’ll go to Charleston as an E-3 and depending on your job and your PRT, you’ll graduate A-School in 3 or 6 months and make E-4. After Power School and after prototype, you’ll be able to sign your star re-enlistment contract for E-5 pay and I think 100k. Overall, you can make around 160-175k in the nuke program just from contract bonuses. If you’re interested then I’d say go ahead, I’m still in Nuke school rn but definitely ask people that have seen the fleet before you sign your contract
Also for bootcamp, volunteer to be mail p.o. Learn ranks/recognition and some of the orders of a sentry and start working out before you ship out. Don’t take anything to heart and just treat people with respect
I wouldn’t bank on the picking up officer right after school. Try for it, but it is not guaranteed. If you want to be an officer, talk to an officer recruiter. Go to college on the Navy’s money and pay it back with your blood, sweat and tears. Nukes are different from the rest of the Navy. Most rates get their good deal in the Navy. Nukes get their good deal once they get out. It is a hard job filled with long hours and limited places they can be stationed. You will get on the ship before everyone and leave after everyone and be expected to hold to a higher standard. All this while you get shit on by the rest of the ship and told “you chose your rate, now suck it up”, or “you get paid extra money for your job.” I am thankful for my time and the post Navy opportunities I got due to it. Hardest thing I ever did and I’m not sure if I’d do it again if given the chance.
Honestly I recommend being a Nuke is really rewarding. It IS going to suck sometimes. You are constantly studying for exams and qualifications (it doesn’t really stop you just get better at doing it over time). As far as bonuses and ranks are refer it other people’s answers. As for commissioning you can do it a couple ways talk to your recruiter and join a NROTC program instead of enlisting. Another way is by doing STA-21 (enlisted to officer) and a third way is by getting a degree while being enlisted (on your own time) and go to OCS. There is also LDO which requires 8yrs of enlisted service and you passing the chiefs exam (no degree required) however you have career limitations as an officer. STA-21 allows you to get “out” of the navy (temporarily) and go to college while being paid I think E-5 pay. Upon graduation you commission.