Can I go from Army Enlisted Soldier to Navy Officer?

2020-06-12T17:15:46-04:00

I am currently a Specialist in the Army with my degree in Nuclear Engineering Technology. I enlisted in the Army with my degree and am also two years in a 6 year contract. I enlisted in Army because I thought I was too old to become a Navy Officer at 29. I have my degree and feel as though I am not putting it to use. I am also getting my Masters in Nuclear Engineering. However, I would like to go Navy as an Officer in Navy Nuclear Propulsion program. What are your thoughts?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 12 at 2020 5:26 PM

2020-06-12T17:26:48-04:00

I'd talk to either the recruiter that sign you up for the military, or talk to HR. JS.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2020 6:57 PM

2020-06-12T18:57:02-04:00

The maximum age allowed upon commissioning changes with prior service credit and any waivers for critical specialties. As you near the end of your Army contract you can always contact appropriate recruiter and start paperwork and see if any waivers can be obtained. You never know what they are needing at the time.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2020 7:17 PM

2020-06-12T19:17:08-04:00

NUPOC is hurting for officers and is offering to fully fund a Masters before a candidate is even in the Navy.

I'm sure a NUPOC OSO could get you a waiver.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2020 7:21 PM

2020-06-12T19:21:57-04:00

Talk a Navy recruiter. If that doesn’t work, try two more. If it is possible, someone will be able to figure it out.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 13 at 2020 12:17 AM

2020-06-13T00:17:54-04:00

You wouldn't be qualified for the Civil Engineer Corps as your accreditation is presumably ABET/ETAC. Only ABET/EAC can go the CEC route. So that would leave line officer in general. If you want to go Nuke, then there are separate accessions officers who run that program input. Bottom line, talking to an enlisted recruiter is absolutely a non starter as that's not their swim lane. Best way to start is to hit up the Navy site, click through the officer stuff, and contact the officer recruiting side. NUPOC qualifications are pretty stringent as you will see. There is a separate schoolhouse for it. The career has a high burnout rate as the Navy continually struggles with overloaded mission assignments, aging vessels, etc. NP types are either on carriers or subs. The later has even more education piled on. BTW, they don't do age waivers for over 29 because they'll never recover their investment.

Response by PO2 Skip Kirkwood made Jun 13 at 2020 8:58 PM

2020-06-13T20:58:13-04:00

Talk to the Officer Recruiter for your region - they may not have one right at your local recruiting station, but they have one assigned. Make the connection, start the conversation. With a degree in NE, if you are able to pass the physical and psych, you should be a good candidate.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2020 5:33 PM

2020-06-15T17:33:47-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Good luck on talking to a Navy Officer Recruiter. Please keep us posted.