Evolution of Nuclear Power Training

[u/Smooth-Bad-5425]

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!

[u/BiscottiJunior6673]

Since your questions are about training, why are you interested only in answers from 20 year folks?

[u/itmustbeniiiiice → u/BiscottiJunior6673]

Right?

[u/Smooth-Bad-5425 → u/itmustbeniiiiice]

Yes since 20+ yr folks would experience the program changes more so than 6 yr nukes like me.
It does sound like the program is more challenging now, especially since A school has evolved. 40 years ago I think the program was stuck in a training pipeline that hadn't changed in quite a while probably since technology hadnt really advanced that much unlike now.

[u/BiscottiJunior6673 → u/Smooth-Bad-5425]

So you don't think first hand information is useful, you want second hand information about training programs people never personally experienced. Got it

[u/itmustbeniiiiice → u/Smooth-Bad-5425]

20 year nukes only go through the training pipeline once, just like 6 year nukes.