I know everyone is probably getting really tired of seeing threads like this so I apologize up front, but I feel like I've been looking up ratings for months and still have limited direction. I have been browsing the forums and gleaning information, but haven’t been able to find what I’m looking for.

I’m about two weeks away from going to MEPS and am a little worried about ending up in a rating I’ll hate just because I didn’t learn enough about it before going down there.

I’m looking for a rating that’s both mentally challenging and hands on. One of my biggest fears is ending up sitting on my butt or behind a computer all day. I get bored pretty easily if I’m not challenged and would like at least a little change in scenery throughout the day. I don’t mind getting my hands dirty, but I’d rather not end up with grease under my fingernails every day. My line scores qualify me for every rating I’ve looked at so far. I can post them if that would help. From the research I’ve done I shouldn’t have any problem with security clearance if I need it for the rating I choose; my only offenses being two minor traffic violations. I’m up for new adventures and am good with land or sea though I’d prefer sea.

I am mainly leaning toward nuclear because it sounds like a rating that will be challenging and hands on. One possible problem is that I’m 27 so I would have to get an age waiver. I’m also having a hard time finding a clear explanation of the differences between EM, ET, and MM.

CTM looked kind of interesting as well, but it sounds like it could get a little routine and boring.

One more note: I am female so all sub ratings are out.

Any points in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help and input.

Im not going to say too much about nuke, as I wasnt one. But I will say, if you go nuke, and make it through there pipeline, you WILL be on a carrier. Just wanting to make sure thats what you want. Theres a few other rates, you may want to look into, as they seem to meet your criteria. They are GSE, conventional ET and MN.

GSE, is the electrical side of the Gas Turbine Technician rating(They do all electrical and controls work) Good rate for after the navy.

ET, is just as it says, electronics. You will be responsible for all sorts of electronic equipment upkeep and maintenance.

Finally MN, is mineman, they are truely a jack of all trades in the minesweep fleet. They operate and maintain all of the mine countermeasure equipment. Here you learn electronics, electrical, mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic skills. Also, you will serve as the ships gunners mates, so youll handle/maintain operate all the small arms/ammo onboard. Additionally youll operate the onboard cranes and deck equipment, topside.

quote:

Originally posted by seren22:
I am mainly leaning toward nuclear because it sounds like a rating that will be challenging and hands on. One possible problem is that I’m 27 so I would have to get an age waiver. I’m also having a hard time finding a clear explanation of the differences between EM, ET, and MM.

Use the find feature on NUKE and you'll find the differences between these ratings, as much as can be said anyway. Plant operations are so integrated you end up with a lot of cross-rate knowledge anyway. You definately won't be behind a computer all day though. (ET nuke goes into a realm well beyond electronics, btw.-not that you have any say in which of the three nuke ratings you get).

Age waiver may occur (you're not too far over the limit at 27) but don't forget that to qualify for nuke it goes beyond security clearance eligibilty, age, and line scores. Your high school math grades come into play, as does being able to pass a med screening for radiation worker.

if you want a real job go for AO, Aviation Ordnanceman.
IYAOYAS!!!

As a Nuke you will definatly be challenged - mentally. The "cleanest" nuke rating is ET. any Navy electrician can tell you about the joys of carbon dust. As an MM you will get greasy / dirty.