Nuclear Machinist Mates (MMN)

CVN Nuclear MMs

We need our best Sailors whose leadership, motivation and dedication to their family, Navy and country is in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service.  We recently increased accessions in nuclear field duty in order to meet the manning needs of the fleet.  Can YOU train them?  Are YOU able to take on life’s toughest challenges?  Can you take raw recruits and turn them into reliable, capable, hardworking members of the most important field in the Navy?

There is currently a great deal of leadership opportunity available at all instructor duty commands.  It is part of the expected career progression for every nuclear operator to spend their first shore tour as an instructor of some sort.  The majority of these billets are located at Prototype where our best Sailors will have the opportunity to guide and mentor the future of Naval Nuclear Power while identifying themselves to the CPO board as the “best of the best”.  In addition to this awesome responsibility, there are plenty of opportunities to get qualified EWS or PPWS, now required for advancement to Chief Petty Officer.  There are numerous pathways for a Sailor to pursue a degree program through online courses or local colleges and spend valuable time with their families at the various local attractions.

The screening process ensures we maintain the highest quality Sailors in these vital positions.  For instructor duty, submit an approved NAVPERS 1306/7, copies of your last three evaluations, an approved special duty screening (Form 1306/92), a copy of your Page 4 (with pipeline class standings), and a letter of recommendation from your Reactor Officer or Commanding Officer.  We can waive up to 18 months of your first sea tour and 24 months of your second sea tour for Sailors requesting duty at NPTU. 

Unfortunately, not every Sailor will be able to screen for instructor duty.  For those packages that are disapproved, there is an equally challenging role available as a Nuclear Recruiter.  We have billets at 31 different recruiting districts all over the country.  You will be trained in communications and salesmanship in order to become responsible for seeking out the best young men and women to relieve you in the fleet.  Go NAVY!

MM1 (SW/AW) Nicholas Sigman

Surface Nuclear MM E6 and below Detailer

CVN Nuclear ELTs

First of all, it is an honor to serve you as your detailer and shipmate.  For those of you who are wondering what you can do for shore duty that’s career-enhancing, exciting and challenging, please consider this:  There is STILL a need for sea returnees to be instructors at Prototype.  As an instructor on shore duty, you are in charge of the future of our Navy as you mold young Sailors into the operators the Fleet can depend on and be proud of.  Additionally, there are many opportunities to further your own education with colleges that are willing to work with your schedule.  You also have the ability to earn your Master Training Specialist and qualify EWS or PPWS.  Additionally, some exceptional Sailors can qualify EOOW.  This is a great opportunity to break up your sea tour and experience a different part of the Navy.

For instructor duty, submit an approved NAVPERS 1306/7, copies of your last 3 evaluations, page 4 (class standings), PRIMS data and a special duty screening (MILPERSMAN Article 1306-957 refers).  The screening process ensures we maintain the highest quality Sailors in these important billets.  We can waive up to 18 months of your first sea tour and 24 months for second tour Sailors for NPTU duty.

MMC(SW/AW) Crystal Schwindt

Surface Nuclear ELT E6 and below Detailer

Submarine Nuclear MM

You’re undoubtedly wondering about shore duty options.  Please consider the following before making any hard decisions.  Nuclear-trained personnel who have never served a tour of duty as a prototype instructor perceive it as many things: too hard, never ending shift work, not available (due to class standing), and doing the same old thing as you do at sea.

While prototype instructor duty can be the hardest, most challenging and yet most rewarding shore duty in the nuclear Navy, consider this; Maintaining and operating the Navy’s nuclear propulsion training plants tests the skill and ability of everyone assigned.  Many plant and equipment problems are solved only because of the technical knowledge of the sea-experienced staff operators.  While the majority of staff members at the prototypes are on shift work, there are several day staff positions that are manned exclusively by sea-returnee personnel (off crew training group, staff training group and material operations department, to name a few).  One of the requirements for prototype instructor duty is to be in the upper 50 percent in academic standing at NPS and NPTU.  This IS waiverable based on performance at sea and command endorsement (see MILPERSMAN Article 1300-957 for more details).

The bottom line is that prototype instructor duty is challenging, but it is never dull or mundane.  Every day presents something new, from figuring out new ways to motivate that struggling student, to fixing material deficiencies on the plants, to doing a complete reactor/engineroom shutdown and startup inside a 4-hour period.

Prototype duty gets an undeserved bad reputation from those who didn’t like it, then go to the fleet and express their dislike.  You never hear the other side because those who did enjoy it don’t go around telling everyone how good it was.  Don’t let the rumors stop you from pursuing a nuclear instructor shore duty. 

MM1 (SS) Eric Cedar

Submarine Nuclear MM E-6 and below detailer

Submarine Nuclear ELTs

Hello to all my fellow submarine ELTs and all Sailors interested in radiological sea duties.  The sea going command possibilities are endless for the motivated ELT, with options including the initial manning of PCU MISSISSIPPI in Groton.  I strongly encourage all of you who meet the eligibility requirements of NAVPERS 18068F, Volume II, to receive a NEC 3366, to do so and greatly enhance your career in the Navy.  For those of you just starting your sea-going Navy life: Sea Duty Incentive Pay (SDIP) has been approved for first tour ELT’s who voluntarily extend their sea time beyond prescribed sea tour at a rate of $500 a month, paid up front!  For more information review NAVADMIN 162/07.

For those of you headed to shore duty, consider the challenging, but highly rewarding Nuclear Instructor Duty at Nuclear Prototype Training Unit in either Charleston, SC< or Ballston Spa, NY.  Not only would you help the leaders of tomorrow start their careers but you would also greatly enhance your own.  Review MILPERSMAN Article 1306-957 and submit your package today.

Lastly, consider attending the Radiological Control Technician Qualification School en route to nuclear maintenance facilities such as Nuclear Regional Maintenance Depot Norfolk, Virginia.  This provides personnel the opportunity to work on shore and periodically rotate to the tender based in Diego Garcia to work abroad. The options are out there, and it all starts with contacting me.

MM1 (SS) Phillip A. Goettsch

Submarine Nuclear ELT E6 and below Detailer