Navy Nuclear Training
- The function of Navy nuclear training is to provide the fleet with sailors and officers qualified to maintain the nuclear powerplants of Navy ships. Since almost all of the ships in the Navy run on nuclear power, there is a strong demand for such specialized personnel. Graduates of this program are considered the "best of the best" in the Navy.
- Tthe Navy nuclear program has two tracks: officer and enlisted. Enlisted personnel go directly from their Recruit Training graduation to NNPTC. Enlisted students hold one of three rates (job category). The Machinist's Mate nuclear course is 14 weeks long and covers basic machinery, machine equipment, and mathematics. The Electrician's Mate nuclear course is 24 weeks long and covers electricity, electronic fundamentals, and electronic equipment. Finally, the Electronic Technician course is 26 weeks and covers math basic electricity, and digital microprocessors.
- After earning their commission, officers also train at NNPTC. Officers accepted into the Navy nuclear training program typically have a degree in engineering or another calculus-based science. They are expected to draw on their college training and hit the ground running during their Navy Nuclear Training. The officer course last 24 weeks and covers graduate level topics like thermodynamics and reactor dynamics.
- Life at Navy NNPTC is not just about classes. Students have time to work out in quality exercise facilities in order to stay in peak physical condition. Treadmills, stationary bikes, and weight machines are available. There are also outdoor basketball and volleyball courts available for pick-up games. Finally, NNPTC is located near Charleston, South Carolina which is frequented by students during their free time.
- Students at NPTC often comment that the installation has the environment of a college campus. The feeling is caused not only by the numerous classrooms, but also by the living quarters available. Students live in small suites with two beds per room, a mini-fridge, and a bathroom. This floor plan is completely different from Navy Recruit Training where about two dozen recruits lived together in an open bay. Down the hall from the bedrooms, there are free washing and drying machines and a game room equipped with a TV and video games.
