Training for Enlisted Sailors at the Naval Nuclear Power School

The Naval Nuclear Power School is a key component of the Navy training program for machinist, electrician, and electronics engineering specialties. It is also excellent training for a job after completing military service with the U.S. Navy. There are actually 3 stages of training for those attending this nuclear school (not including initial boot camp).

Before attending the Naval Nuclear Power School in Charleston, South Carolina, enlisted sailors attend boot camp first and then move to a particular “A” school. There are three different kinds of A school before advancing to the actual Nuclear Power School. Sailors attend only one of these schools, not all three.

The first specialty school is for machinist mates. This is a 3-month course in Charleston. Specialists in this area learn to repair and maintain steam power plants.

The Electrician’s Mate program lasts 6 months. This is about power distribution. Sailors learn how to repair electrical equipment in this school.

The third specialty is Electronics Technician. This is also a 6-month course in Charleston. It is similar to the electrician’s course but focuses more on the repair of electronic devices like radar, navigation, and communications systems.

After completing one of the “A” schools, sailors then attend the Naval Nuclear Power School. This Charleston school also lasts 6 months. This school is all about learning the ins and outs of a nuclear power plant. These plants are used for power generation in both Navy ships and submarines.

That is not the end of training for Navy nuclear technicians. The last school is the Nuclear Power Training Unit. There are different training programs for each of the three main specialties of machinist, electrician, and electronics technician. Sailors will train at a Nuclear Power Training Unit in either Charleston or Ballston Spa, New York. Whereas the Naval Nuclear Power School is the general course, the Unit training combines nuclear power-plant basics with the integration of the subsystems applicable to each specialty. This training is also six months.

In short, those seeking to attend Naval Nuclear Power School will actually need to attend 3 separate training courses. All together, the courses are either 15 months or 18 months, depending on the specialty of the sailor. Those who complete this tough but rewarding training will have a great job while in the Navy and many chances for high-salary employment after completion of Navy service.

Resources:

U.S. Navy: Nuclear Operations


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