U.S. Navy - Nuclear Program

Jeffrey is going to be a Nuc! We spent 8 hours at the MEPS at Fort Sam Houston yesterday waiting to sign paperwork and have Jeffrey sworn in on a delayed entry program. Since the Navy can guarantee you a job within the Navy they have what is called the delayed entry program. Where you sign your contract saying that this is the field you will be in, here is any information about bonuses you may receive and this is your leave date. By signing your contract and swearing in you agree that on that date you will leave for the program. Jeffrey received a call from the Navy a couple of weeks back and to his surprise he actually listened to the recruiter. We have received phone calls from every branch of the military minus the army I believe and every time they would call Jeffrey would automatically tell them that he was going to enter the coast guard but thanks for calling. For whatever reason he listened to the Navy recruiter. Somehow they got on the topic of his ASVAB scores and was told that based on those scores he could qualify for the nuclear program. Only 10% of those who apply to the Navy are eligible and only 5% actually make it into the program. :) We met with the recruiter the next day face to face where he let us know that his EL (Electrical I believe is what it stands for) was high enough that he did not need to take the second test to see if he would get a high enough score to get into the program. We were very excited about not having to take another test. Of course after tons of paperwork and a short book on Jeffrey's life we got the final OK that he would be allowed to enter the program. Jeffrey is so excited!!! He loves the fact that he will be in a challenging program for the next two years and that he could potentially be an electricians mate within that career field as he likes working with electrical stuff.
OK so here are the details that I know off the top of my head right now...

1. scheduled date of departure for boot camp is Aug 12, 2009. However they have about 3 people per month that disqualify themselves from the program so he may get a call asking if he would like to leave early.

2. We get a $21,000 bonus for the nuclear program upon completion of the schooling

3. He signed a 4 year contract with a 2 year extension.

4. The 2 year extension is because the schooling for the nuclear program is roughly 2 1/2 years. This schooling will all be in Charleston, SC

5. He starts as an E-3 and will be at least an E-4 by the time he finishes he first school so in less than a year from starting boot camp he will go from an E-3 to an E-4. There is also a possibility that he can be an E-5 once he completes schooling. :)

We are very excited and feel very blessed to have this opportunity and to know that for the next 4-6 years minimum he has a job and great medical benefits for us & the children. Heavenly Father has guided us every step of the way and we are so very excited for the future. Love you all :-)