Navy Nuke: Enlisted Nuclear Propulsion Program (2024)

Last Updated on November 16, 2023

This guide provides helpful information about the Navy’s Enlisted Nuclear Propulsion program for the Fiscal Year 2024.

“Navy Nukes” are enlisted Sailors in the United States Navy who specialize in nuclear engineering. The Navy’s Enlisted Nuclear Propulsion program is highly competitive and only accepts the brightest young talents in the nation.

The U.S. Navy’s Nuclear Power

Naval Nuclear Power has a long and proud history, beginning with the USS Nautilus (SSN-571) in 1955 and continuing through today’s modern Virginia class attack submarines and Ford class supercarriers.

Nuclear energy gives the Navy nearly infinite capacity to operate submarines and aircraft carriers anywhere in the world.

The requirements are stringent, but the benefits are unparalleled for a chosen few. Making the cut requires effort, even from the most qualified, but the satisfaction of reaching the pinnacle is unparalleled.

Nuclear Sailors who meet certain criteria are eligible for an Enlistment Bonus. Join the Navy’s Nuclear Field Program if you want responsibility and can perform well under pressure.

The USS Nautilus (SSN-571) ushered in a new generation of naval vessels in 1955, and it is now leading the way. The nuclear-powered boats of today’s Navy are bigger, quicker, and more technologically advanced than the first nuclear Sailors could have imagined.

The commissioning of the USS Ohio (SSBN-726) on November 11, 1981, was a watershed moment for the Nuclear Navy. The first ship of the Trident class, Ohio, was the biggest and most powerful submarine ever built in the United States.

As the Seawolf class, Virginia class, and Los Angeles class submarines assume their places in the fleet, the Navy submarine force will rely on cutting-edge technology.

These weapons, and the men that use them, will confidently and powerfully lead the submarine force into the twenty-first century.

There are several options for people who want to flourish in this professional sector, as all the Navy’s aircraft carriers and submarines are fueled by nuclear energy.

If you are mature, willing to assume responsibility, and capable of functioning well under pressure, you may be eligible for the Navy’s Nuclear Field Program.

Qualifying Nuclear Sailors can choose their own enlistment incentive, which is the best offered to any Navy program.

You have the option of selecting a College Fund, an Enlistment Bonus, or a combination of the Enlistment Bonus and the Navy College Fund.

The option is yours if you are up to the challenge.

Navy Nuclear Training

If you are accepted into the Naval Nuclear Power Program, you will join the Navy as a Seaman E-3, putting you ahead of many of your peers in other disciplines.

Your first step will be to finish Basic Training (Navy Boot Camp) in Great Lakes, Illinois. During this two-month program, you will train alongside new Sailors from a variety of disciplines and programs.

Following recruit training, you will go to Charleston, South Carolina for Nuclear Field (NF) “A” School. For your first training in your specialization, you will reside in college dorm-style dormitories with leisure activities at the base.

You will spend three to six months at NF “A” School, depending on the rating for which you are chosen. Following graduation, you may be promoted to Petty Officer Third Class (E-4).

While you will be quite busy with your studies in Charleston, you will still have time to visit this ancient city.

Founded as Charles Town in 1670, the city has seen significant alteration, including relocation from its original position three miles up the Ashley River. Charleston welcomes the future, making it an ideal location for the Navy’s nuclear training schools.

Navy Nuclear Power School

The next phase in your nuclear qualifying path brings you to Nuclear Power School (NPS), which is located on the same campus as NF “A” School in Charleston.

Training begins for six months of college-level study in reactor math and science.

Nuclear Power School teaches students about the key nuclear concepts of a pressurized-water naval nuclear power plant, as well as heat transfer and fluid flow, plant chemistry and materials, mechanical and electrical systems, and radiological control.

During the six months of NPS, you will study mathematics, thermodynamics, physics, electrical theory, chemistry, engineering materials, nuclear plant technology, radiation controls, and reactor concepts.

Here are some of the topics you will learn:

Mathematics

This course is designed to provide students with a basic grasp of arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, logarithms, analytical geometry, and calculus. It ensures that everyone has the requisite background to manipulate equations and mathematical derivations required to comprehend the physics of nuclear power and the functioning of a nuclear propulsion plant.

Physics

This fundamental physics course covers subjects that are essential for subsequent study and knowledge of atomic and reactor physics. Understanding physical concepts and the capacity to solve issues based on those principles are prioritized. Students will be able to tackle engineering issues logically and methodically after completing this course.

Electrical Theory and Equipment

This course covers the fundamentals of electrical/electronic equipment operation in a nuclear power plant. For individuals concentrating in electrical/electronic ratings, further training in theoretical basics is offered.

Reactor Plant Technology

This course introduces students to the essentials of reactor theory, design, operation, and safety by building on the foundations of mathematics, physics, and systems training. The curriculum stresses problem solving and the development of thinking skills.

Thermodynamics

This course introduces the characteristics of steam, basic rules of steam plant equipment, the steam cycle, and heat transfer and fluid flow laws.

Chemistry

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of water chemical and chemistry control. The student will get an understanding of the significance of correct chemistry in corrosion control and plant safety, as well as the factors used to govern plant chemistry.

Metallurgy, Engineering Materials

This course introduces metal characteristics and emphasizes the relevance of metallurgical issues in the construction and operation of nuclear power reactors.

Health Physics

This course examines the characteristics of radiation, outlines potential risks, and gives common sense guidelines for conduct around nuclear power plants. It gives an overview of the radiation measurement equipment and procedures available to guarantee self-protection.

Reactor Principles

This course exposes students to the principles of reactor theory, design, operation, and safety procedures, with an emphasis on developing reasoning skills in support of nuclear power plant operations.

Navy Nuclear Prototype Training

Following Nuclear Power School, you will be able to put your knowledge to use by running real nuclear reactors at Nuclear Prototype training in either Balston Spa, NY or Charleston, SC.

You get experience here by learning and running your first nuclear plant. This shows how all the reactor subsystems interact with one another.

Before embarking on their first submarine or aircraft carrier, NF Sailors earn their first enlistment bonus, if eligible, upon completion of Prototype Training.

Before joining the fleet, chosen Machinist’s Mates (MMs) will get further training at the Engineering Laboratory Technician School or the Nuclear Welder’s School.

Nuke Life in the Fleet

In the Fleet, you will be a crewmember onboard one of the most sophisticated and powerful battleships in history, whether above or below the surface of the world’s oceans.

You will begin perfecting your professional skills on the job. While learning, you will travel to different ports across the world and learn about diverse cultures, all while knowing that you are guaranteeing the future of your own nation and way of life.

Every day will bring new challenges and possibilities for personal development and success.

Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator Pipeline

Navy Submarine Force

The capacity of the Navy’s Submarine Force to secure national interests in a stealthy, adaptable, and efficient way wherever the need arises is its defining feature.

The submarine force is the most advanced in the world, whether it is the strategic deterrence provided by the Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBN), or the updated Guided Missile Submarine (SSGN), providing a multi-mission capability that includes special forces deployment, or the Attack Submarine (SSN), designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships.

After the Cold War ended, the Navy began converting some of its largest and most capable Ohio class SSBN fleet into a platform that better matches the nation’s strategic goals.

The guided-missile submarines of the Ohio class are armed with tactical missiles and have advanced communications capabilities.

SSGNs are also specially equipped to shelter and supply special operations soldiers wherever they are required throughout the world.

Crews on SSGNs consist of 15 officers and 144 enlisted soldiers. The crew conditions aboard the SSGNs are like those aboard the original Ohio class SSBN.

The Ohio class Trident Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBN) are among the Navy’s most capable and complicated ships. The SSBN is the biggest submarine in the navy, with a crew of 15 officers and 148 enlisted troops.

Each Trident submarine features 14 nine-man, U-shaped bunkrooms that serve as the crew’s main living and sleeping accommodations, in addition to the commissioned officer and chief petty officer’s quarters.

While in port, the lounge and mess facilities are outfitted to broadcast movies or television. A closed circuit audio system, like that used on airplanes, delivers music and other content to each crew bed.

The library has seating for around eight persons. The lounge space can accommodate roughly 15 crew members. While serving on a submarine, physical fitness is still a concern, and hydraulic weight equipment, pulleys, treadmills, rowing machines, and stationary cycles are accessible. Excellent meals are served in a large dining room.

The assault submarine is also used by the Navy (SSN). Attack submarines are smaller than ballistic missile submarines, but they are quicker and more tactically adaptable.

Because of the stealth and mobility of attack submarines, you will have the option to participate in some of the most exciting military missions you can imagine.

The three assault submarine classes are the Virginia, Seawolf, and Los Angeles. In terms of capabilities and design, the submarine force is dynamic and forward-thinking.

Whatever class or platform you serve on, you will be part of the world’s most elite military.

The task is important, but the Navy’s submarine force is not all labor. Even with less room available, movies and physical exercise remain a priority during spare time.

Life aboard attack submarines is both hard and thrilling, with possibilities for international deployments and trips to other ports.

Whether you are sailing beneath the arctic ice cap or relaxing in a foreign port with 100 of your best friends, your future as a member of the nuclear-powered submarine service will be filled with challenges and triumphs that you will not find anywhere else.

Remember, if the president sends an aircraft carrier battle group to a hot region across the world, odds are a submarine is already there.

Navy Aircraft Carrier

Nuclear-powered aircraft carriers are the most advanced ships in the world, resembling floating cities with many of the same amenities.

Closed-circuit television stations, studios, radio stations, and newspapers are available on aircraft carriers.

Study books, fiction, nonfiction, paperbacks, and current periodicals are all available at libraries. While on board, there are even options to attend approved schools and universities.

Life on an aircraft carrier is tough but exhilarating, with many of the same chances for overseas deployments and international port visits as life on a submarine.

Many of your shipmates may be familiar faces from training. They will be at your side whether you are repairing a piece of equipment or enjoying the festivities in a foreign port.

Nuke Opportunities After the Navy

You have overcome the trials of Navy life, and it is now time to return to civilian life. You have had the best training available and have achieved success, but what now?

Will you be able to obtain employment?

Will it be profitable?

Is the difficulty still going to be there?

Because of your training as a nuclear-trained Sailor, the responses to most of your inquiries will be encouraging.

According to Mike Watson of Orion International, a consulting organization that hires individuals for firms across the United States, the most difficult choice most nuclear-trained Sailors have after leaving the Navy is deciding where they want to live and work.

“They are only limited by geography,” Watson explained. “When nuclear-trained Sailors leave the Navy, they are truly only limited by geographical preferences.”

They may go wherever they choose. “The companies we work with, from manufacturing to high-tech, value nuclear-trained Sailors,” he continued. “It is less about what they already know and more about what they are capable of learning.”

Companies around the country have discovered that Sailors who excelled in the most difficult occupations available while on active service continue to be the best of the best after leaving the military.

According to Watson, they are respected for their leadership abilities as well as their expertise. Managers felt confidence in putting former Sailors because of their professionalism and expertise, he added.

According to Orion International, the prognosis is favorable. “Many industries are facing a post-baby-boom candidate shortage.”

Due to a scarcity of employees with engineering, science, and computer backgrounds, this need for skilled personnel is projected to continue…particularly in the industrial and technical sectors.” It appears that those with Navy nuclear training have a particularly bright future.

Whether you finish your Navy career or leave after your first tour of duty, your training and experience as a Nuclear Sailor will open doors to opportunities long after you return to civilian life.

Your services will be in great demand as one of the best-prepared technicians accessible in a wide range of high-paying job specializations.

Your future may lay in engineering, maintenance, design consultancy, or as a safety inspector, but your talents and abilities will be your passport to success no matter what area you select after leaving the Navy.

Nuke Educational Opportunities

Below are some of the many educational opportunities for Navy nuclear engineers.

American Council of Education (ACE)

• Organization recommends colleges award up to 77 credits to Sailors completing Nuclear Field “A” School,

Nuclear Power School, and Prototype Training

• Must petition a college to receive the credits

• Only a few classes short of an associate degree

Advanced Technical Training

• Nuclear Field Training Pipeline is up to 22 months long

• Emphasizes understanding and application of technical concepts

• Operational experience

Program for Afloat College Education (PACE)

• Fully funded undergraduate college courses offered aboard all Navy ships

Servicemember’s Opportunities College (SOCNav)

• Navy job experience and completed schools = college credit

• Independent study courses for college credit

• Free tests for college credit

• Full transfer of college credit between a network of 63 colleges worldwide

Tuition Assistance (TA)

• Tuition payment for any accredited college, vocational/technical or business school courses taken in your

off-duty time

Established Degree Paths for NF Sailors

• Colleges/Universities credit Navy training toward a degree and only require a limited number of courses to

be completed to receive a degree

• Some institutions that currently have Associate and bachelor’s degree programs established with the Nuclear Power Program include Old Dominion University, Thomas Edison State College, and Excelsior College (NY)

For details of current degree programs, visit www.navycollege.navy.mil

Navy Nuke Program Eligibility

Those who qualify for the Nuclear Power Program receive a thorough grasp of physics and technology, as well as the skills and confidence to run modern nuclear propulsion facilities across the world.

Candidates should take more advanced math and science courses. Any poor academic achievement in high school may jeopardize your eligibility. Only the most eligible applicants are chosen.

The following are the basic prerequisites for the Navy Nuclear Power Program:

• United States citizenship; no dual citizenship
• A high school diploma or a college degree
• Successful completion of one year of high school or college algebra
• Qualifying scores on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) plus an advanced placement test if appropriate
• Age no older than 27 on the day of enlistment
• Meet physical and medical standards

More Information

If you want more information about becoming an enlisted nuclear engineer in the Navy, the next logical step is to contact a Navy Enlisted Recruiter.

Let us figure out how you can benefit from joining the Navy—or if it is even the right career move for you.

If you’re interested in learning other opportunities, you may find other Navy Enlisted Jobs here.

Hope you found this helpful to your career planning.