r/NavyNukes • u/Smooth-Bad-5425 ET2/CVN-72(Plankowner)/LCDR, CEC ( Ret) • 4d ago

Evolution of Nuclear Power Training

This post is mainly for the folks that spent at least a 20 yr active duty career in the nuclear power program over a few years ranges:

1980-2000;

1990-2010;

2000-2020; and

2010-present

What I'm curious about is whether over the time period from 1980 to the present, the nuclear power program changed such as difficulty & entrance requirements.

For data purposes, I was an ET from 1986-1992. Back in 1986, ETs went through Basic Electronics & Electricity for around two months or so where we learned all about the subject and went through circuit board troubleshooting. ET "A" school had antenna theory, transistors & tube, and the SPS-10 radar system (not very nuclear related at all). For the newer folks, ET "A" school for nukes back then was 2200-0600 daily. That was rough. Nuke school was probably similar to current academics and prototype was attended at either Idaho, Ballston Spa, or Windsor CT.

If anyone can chime in and give me program info over the years that would be much appreciated.

In summary, I have a feeling that making it through the training pipeline is more difficult now than what it was 40 yrs ago (that is such a depressing idea!).

Thanks!

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u/Navynuke00 EM (SW) 4d ago

I went through ~25 years ago and struggled mightily, even though I was an AP/ IB student in high school who did very well in those programs. My wife teaches educational leadership and has a deep basis in educational theory as the focus of her PhD, and this is the kind of thing we talk about at home.

I can write some lengthy responses if you'd like. But I only did 9 years in the Navy. 🤷🏾‍♂️

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u/loosterbooster Civilian Instructor 4d ago

Please post your lengthy responses, the rest of us don't care that you weren't in for 20