NUPOC Program - Homepage and Overview

** Detailed Information Available via Menu Bar Links Above **
** I am no longer affiliated with the Navy NUPOC Program, but will continue to keep this site current if any updates/changes occur **

When working at Navy Recruiting Command I conducted a thought experiment:  If I had heard about the NUPOC Program and was intrigued and wanted to learn more, where would I look?  How difficult would it be to find relevant information to help inform my decision on whether to proceed with an application?

After 5 years in the Nuclear Navy I knew where to look for data and had the benefit of personal experience to reinforce what I read, but absent those two factors there was shockingly little information available.  What did exist was a long-defunct NUPOC Blogspot, a few dispersed posts and conversations on Reddit and NukeWorker.com, and the official Navy Website that consists of a one paragraph summary, a short video, and an unconvincing rejoinder to contact your local officer recruiter.  

My intent in creating this site was to address this dearth of readily available information, to provide my own commentary on what I think is the very compelling value proposition of the NUPOC Program, and to make as many external sources covering topics like program history, congressionally-published pay and benefits tables, exit opportunities, interview study materials, etc, readily available to potential applicants who are attempting to determine whether the program is a good fit for them.  I hope you find it useful as you consider the program - regardless of whether you decide to apply.  

I make every effort to be objective and candid in the portions of this site which are my commentary.  Two caveats: (1) I do NOT purport to speak for the Navy in any way, and (2) I am genuinely convinced that NUPOC is one of the (if not THE) most compelling programs available to intelligent and motivated college students/graduates.  The financial benefits up-front are eye-catching, but the key in my view is the body of experience and the skills you will develop, coupled with how it sets you up going forward (whether in the Navy or the exit opportunities that are available).  I bring this up to point out that I, like everyone else, have a perspective that I've developed through experience and that you should keep an open mind as you read here, elsewhere, and (if you choose to begin the application process) on the orientation trip to make sure this is something that appeals to you.  Not all great opportunities are for everyone, after all. 

The following discussions can be reached via the menu bar above:

• "What is NUPOC"  - Program Summary, Overview of Some Key Benefits
• "Applicant Profile" - Key data on recent NUPOC Applicants (in Aggregate)
• "Submarines/Surface" - Summarizes Similarities and Differences in job, career path, etc
• "Instructors" - Discusses roles of Power School and Prototype Instructors and how they differ from one another and from non-instructor positions 
• "NR Engineer" - Overview of the Naval Reactors Engineer Position
• "DC Interview" - Explains how I choose who attends each interview, and gives a general overview of the interview process and a few recommendations
• "FAQs" - Exactly what you would think ---- answers to frequently asked questions

To the right, you will find a plethora of links to good information.  Many of the links are referenced specifically in the text of one or more of the discussions noted above, but all provide useful data.  I will check in on the site periodically to ensure that there are not any dead links.  If you notice any, feel free to write me a note below (bottom of page below image).