I am currently a sophomore at a prestigious university on a full-scholarship. I am majoring in structural engineering (B.E. / M.E.) and recently learned about the NUPOC program for collegiates. In it, I will receive a monthly stipend of $3000 along with an officer position. I could use this money to start saving for early retirement, and go on vacation. I have always wanted to serve my country in any way, but -upon research- many recommend that the Navy is not a place for women...especially since I may be asked to work in the submarines (new equality act). Without serving, I truly believe I can earn another full scholarship to attend graduate school for design, but I want to explore all of my professional options. By the way, I am only 100 lbs. and 5'2". Any suggestions and honest opinions are greatly appreciated.

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but -upon research- many recommend that the Navy is not a place for women...

Says who?

NUPOC is one of the best programs out there, if you can get in.

They cant force you to go subs, they're simply talking about allowing women to vol.

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Originally posted by newman611:
the NUPOC program for collegiates.
In it, I will receive a monthly stipend of $3000 along with an officer position. I could use this money to start saving for early retirement, and go on vacation. I have always wanted to serve my country.

An Older Curmudgeon will throw in his 02 cents worth on this embedded statement. If you want to join the Navy or any other service, You should be doing it for reasons other than that selfish, self-centered statement made in your original posting.

To quote LT Collins, Commanding Officer of the San Pablo (lines from a old, old movie, but to me timeless words that apply to anyone joining the Navy or any other service for that matter)

Quote, “The trade we all follow is the give and take of Death, it is for that purpose that the people of America maintain us, and anyone who believes he has a job like any other for which he draws a money wage,

* Is a thief of the food he eats.

* And a trespasser in the bunk in which he lies down to sleep.” Unquote

Young lady, if you or anyone else is not willing to buy into that military philosophy and embrace it totally, then you need to think about another avocation. Putting yourself in a position where it may be necessary to catch a bullet or sacrifice yourself to save your shipmates someday should be something that your will not waiver from. The Military is not about “saving for early retirement, and going on vacation.”

Just the thoughts of a very cranky old Curmudgeon/Military Retiree.

IDK. I think she was trying to clarify the program for those who may not know what it is. It's a hard program to get because there is a TON of money on the line. She did say she always wanted to serve.....I jump if I think someones only after the money too but I dont think that is her goal. To me that was not the tone.

Most kids in her position that I've seen would not even entertain the idea, despite the money involved. Many without full rides to school (esp engineering students) scoff because they have diluded visions of what they will be doing when they first start working, or have plans of being in school for life.

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Originally posted by IC2SS19Z50C5:
To quote LT Collins, Commanding Officer of the San Pablo (lines from a old, old movie, but to me timeless words that apply to anyone joining the Navy or any other service for that matter)

Quote, “The trade we all follow is the give and take of Death, it is for that purpose that the people of America maintain us, and anyone who believes he has a job like any other for which he draws a money wage,

* Is a thief of the food he eats.

* And a trespasser in the bunk in which he lies down to sleep.” Unquote

*spits out drink* What?!?!? You mean the CO of the Sand Pebbles??? That *****? Next thing you know you'll be taking leadership lessons from the CO in Mister Roberts and quoting LCDR Queeg (surprised Queeg doesn't get blocked out by the censors) on how standard performance is sub-standard and sub-substandard performance will not be tolerated or, better yet, Colonel Jessep on why exactly it is that we need him on that wall. Please, let's get some better role models for our aspiring sailors.

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for early retirement

kiddo, let me give you a nickels worth of free advice. If you want to retire "early", forget the military... or ANY government service for that matter. You won't make that much. In fact, if you are majoring in an Engineering degree, you are FAR better off, financially, going into the Civ market. Especially these days, considering the absolute shortage of engineers that ALL technical industries are facing. Even more so Americans with Engineering degrees to work for our Defence Contractors, who must have American Citizens to do the projects.

Now, that said... if you are looking to make a life of sacrifice for something bigger than yourself. Service to your nation, your family, and the American ideal; then by all means move forward with looking at the military. It CAN be a great place to start, or even retire from. Keep in mind that MOST people who retire either chose or have to move on to another career after. The military is not a place to get rich. PERIOD.

You don't get rich but $4400 a month (at today's current pay scale for an O6 over 20) ain't too bad for just 20 years of work.

I do agree that most get another job after retirement. In fact, I worked with someone that did 20 years as an officer in the AF and then another 20 with Bell Helicopter. He was looking at a pretty good retirement by that point.

Who knows, OP could be the first female submarine commanding officer if she chooses to go that route.

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$4400 a month (at today's current pay scale for an O6 over 20) ain't too bad for just 20 years of work.

Pssst... that ain't all that good. That works out to about a salary of ~70K... which seems really low for an O-6. Starting engineers make about 50K to 60K. Like I said, if you are in it JUST for the money, stay in school get the sheepskin and get a Civ job.

Serving in the Military is about dedicating yourself to somehting GREATER than yourself. You don't do it for the cash, the perks, the bennies... you do it because it's the RIGHT thing to do for your Nation, your family, and it might, just maybe make and adult out of you.

O-6 over 20 is $8,796.60 plus BAH of $1,500 - 3000, plus Sea Pay, etc. Retirement would be half of the base and does not include any of the other types of pay.

Dave's figures look more sane, even so, with BAH that works out to around 150K.

An engineer with 10 to 15 years experience can pull in 100K with no real problems. At 20 years, is easily in that same range or higher. If that Engineer goes into management, guaranteed higher. Into Executive managment... now we are talking hyperspace.

My point STILL stands. You do NOT go into the military for the money.

I think ya'll skert er out o er knickers . Think I'll side with IC on this one . Someone's gotta say that so the young'un get their head on straight , if it already is then they should'nt feel insulted . They could do as my daughter did , say THAT'S what I ment DAD . fun times

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Originally posted by ErikBloodaxe:

Serving in the Military is about dedicating yourself to somehting GREATER than yourself. You don't do it for the cash, the perks, the bennies... you do it because it's the RIGHT thing to do for your Nation, your family, and it might, just maybe make and adult out of you.

To Erik & Negge(the duty A-ganger), thanks Shipmates, thanks for your validating comments.

V/R "Buck"

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O-6 over 20 is $8,796.60 plus BAH of $1,500 - 3000, plus Sea Pay, etc. Retirement would be half of the base and does not include any of the other types of pay.

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You don't get rich but $4400 a month (at today's current pay scale for an O6 over 20) ain't too bad for just 20 years of work.

I guess I wasn't clear on this. We were both saying the same thing because half of $8796.60 rounds to about $4400. I was talking about the retirement pay after 20 years of service.

So now you look at someone that retires after 20 after a nuke office career and then goes into engineering management and that person is making $100K minimum salary plus an additional $50K in retirement pay.