Why Nuclear-Trained Sailors Don't Attend Submariner School

The training paths in the U.S. Navy for sailors serving on submarines are meticulously designed to ensure they are prepared for their specific roles. Among these paths, some sailors, particularly those who are nuclear-trained, do not attend Submariner School. This article explores the reasons behind this distinction and highlights the unique training processes that nuclear-trained sailors undergo.

The Background and Training Paths

A person aspiring to serve on submarines can volunteer before even attending boot camp. The Navy recognizes two primary categories of sailors for submarine service: nuclear-trained personnel and non-nuclear sailors.

About two-fifths of the crew on a submarine are nuclear-trained individuals. These sailors must meet rigorous requirements, including high ASVAB scores and an 18-month training period that is considered the Navy's most academically challenging. Non-nuclear sailors, comprising the rest of the crew, have lower ASVAB scores and shorter A-schools, if they attend at all.

Upon joining, non-designated sailors like myself (a striker) went straight from boot camp to Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS) and then to a submarine within six months. However, the experience varies significantly between these two categories of sailors. Nuclear-trained sailors undergo a specialized training regimen that prepares them for the operation and maintenance of nuclear propulsion systems, while non-nuclear sailors focus on other skills essential for submarine operations.

Specialized Training for Nuclear-Propulsion Personnel

Nuclear-trained sailors receive specialized training at the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command. This training includes extensive classroom instruction and hands-on experience. The goal is to ensure that these sailors are thoroughly prepared for their roles as operators and maintainers of nuclear propulsion systems. These sailors complete a rigorous academic and practical training program that spans several months before they can board a submarine.

The process of training is designed to be efficient, ensuring that nuclear-trained sailors are ready for their specialized responsibilities without unnecessary duplication of training efforts. This streamlined approach allows the Navy to allocate resources effectively and train personnel appropriately for their critical roles.

Submariner School and Its Role

Submariner School, a part of the Navy's basic submarine training, is aimed at sailors who will serve in various roles aboard submarines, but who do not necessarily require specialized nuclear training. The school covers a broad range of topics related to submarine operations, including tactics, navigation, and emergency procedures. Its primary focus is on ensuring that sailors have the necessary skills to perform their duties on submarines effectively.

While nuclear-trained sailors already receive extensive training in the technical aspects of nuclear systems, their training is more focused on the practical application of these systems. They are well-prepared to handle their roles without the need for additional training at Submariner School. This distinct approach allows the Navy to ensure that each sailor's training aligns with their specific responsibilities.

Efficiency and Aptitude Testing Through BESS

The Navy employs a multi-step process to ensure that all sailors are suitable for submarine service. Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS) is a critical part of this process. The school is about three months long and is designed to test the aptitude of sailors. If a sailor fails to complete BESS, they may be reassigned to the surface fleet.

Non-nuclear sailors, including those with lower ASVAB scores and shorter A-schools, face a more rigorous qualifying process. BESS is a way to ensure that sailors have the capability to handle the intense environment and responsibilities of submarine operations. The qualification process is highly competitive and notably more challenging for non-nuclear sailors.

From a personal perspective, as a 22-year veteran who served as a striker and then rose to the rank of Senior Chief, I understand the significance of the training and qualification processes. The Navy's approach ensures that each sailor is prepared for the demands of submarine service, whether they are nuclear-trained or not.

In conclusion, the Navy's training systems are designed to be efficient and effective. Nuclear-trained sailors, with their specialized training and expertise in nuclear propulsion systems, do not need to attend Submariner School. This distinction ensures that each sailor is trained according to their specific role, allowing the Navy to maintain a highly skilled and capable submarine force.