start as enlistment with M.E. degree - why?

[b5thomas7]

I've been research the NUPOC officer programs for some time and I want to get started with the application process. I went to chat with the local recruiter, but left more confused. The recruiter today said I might not be able to apply for the officer program, and suggested I start as an enlistment and then I would have a good chance of jumping into the officer training pipeline right after recruit training, NF "A" school, and nuclear power school. It seemed like the decision of whether or not I was eligible to apply for the officer program was up to someone in Lansing, MI at the officer recruiting station. I'll be finishing a M.E. degree with around a 3.4 in June, I have a perfectly clean record, and I'm in good physical shape. I thought I should at least be able to apply as an officer; does this seem strange to anyone else? Just to confirm, the enlistment would be open to high school graduates, not just college grads, right? And finally, is the Nuclear Power School for the enlistments the same as the one the nuclear officers take? I'm want to make sure I'm getting the best training since I've worked so hard to get through my engineering degree.

Please give advise

[cheme09]

Yeah, sounds like you were talking to an enlisted recruiter. If you want to go officer, make sure you are talking to an Officer Programs recruiter, specifically a Nuclear Officer Programs recruiter.

While there is nothing wrong with enlisting, it certainly does not increase you chances of becoming a Nuke Officer. If you want to be an officer, apply directly for OCS.

[SSN_Seawolf]

Yeah, sounds like you were talking to an enlisted recruiter. If you want to go officer, make sure you are talking to an Officer Programs recruiter, specifically a Nuclear Officer Programs recruiter.

While there is nothing wrong with enlisting, it certainly does not increase you chances of becoming a Nuke Officer. If you want to be an officer, apply directly for OCS.

I do not think every NRD has them, so talk to an officer recruiter and ask him to work with you on becoming a Nuclear Officer. (Unless I am wrong and each NRD has them! )

Seawolf

[admin]

Every NRD has an entire department of officer recruiters. Not every recruiting office has an officer recruiter though.

I recommend trying to get a commission before enlisting. There is no advantage to enlisting first. If you are unable to earn a commission then take a chance on enlisting.

Don't enlist first. If you have a degree the enlisted recruiters are only supposed to refer you to an officer recruiter. They should not be trying to get you to enlist. After you exhaust your options with the officer recruiter (or if you don't desire a commission and only want to go enlisted) then they can talk to you about enlisted programs.

Once you said that you had a degree (or were close) the first thing the recruiter should have said : "Here is the phone number for an officer recruiter". Based on what you have said you probably meet the minimum requirements for NUPOC.

It is possible to earn a commission through STA-21 after enlisting. But it is very hard and most of the variables that will affect your selection are out of your control. It is kind of like rolling a 20 sided die and hoping to get the right number.