Transition Guides
Standalone guides built for Navy nukes. Save them, print them, share them with your shipmates.
12-Month Transition Checklist
The complete month-by-month checklist. Every step from "I'm getting out" to Day 1 as a civilian. Printable.
View checklistSkillBridge Application Guide
How to apply, get command approval, and pick the right program. Timeline, tips, and top programs for nukes.
Read the guideResume Translation Guide
Before/after examples for ELT, ET, EM, and MM rates. Jargon quick-reference included. Printable.
Read the guideInterview Prep Guide
The 10 questions you'll definitely get, STAR method answers, and what to wear by industry.
Read the guideCareer Path Quiz
Answer 10 questions about your rate, preferences, and goals. Get matched to the best civilian career path with salary data.
Take the quizEMN Transition Guide
Career paths, certifications, and salary data specifically for Electrician's Mates (Nuclear).
Read the guideETN Transition Guide
Career paths, certifications, and salary data specifically for Electronics Technicians (Nuclear).
Read the guideMMN Transition Guide
Career paths, certifications, and salary data specifically for Machinist's Mates (Nuclear).
Read the guideELT Transition Guide
Career paths, certifications, and salary data specifically for Engineering Laboratory Technicians.
Read the guideSkillBridge Programs
These programs actively recruit Navy nukes and have strong hiring pipelines.
AWS Military Apprenticeship
Cloud engineering training with AWS certifications. Direct pipeline to full-time roles.
Learn moreMicrosoft MSSA
17-week program in cloud dev, cloud admin, or cybersecurity. Cohort-based with Microsoft cert.
Learn moreConstellation Energy
Largest US commercial nuclear fleet. SkillBridge and direct-hire for nuke-rate veterans.
Learn moreHuntington Ingalls Industries
Builds and maintains the ships you served on. SkillBridge programs near shipyards.
Learn moreJob Boards & Recruiters
The recruiters and boards that specialize in placing Navy nukes.
Orion Talent
The biggest military-to-civilian recruiting firm. Strong relationships with commercial nuclear and utilities.
Visit sitePKAZA / navynukejobs.com
Data center and critical facilities recruiting specifically for Navy nukes. 14+ years specializing in nuke placements. Also runs navynukejobs.com.
Visit siteUSAJobs
Federal job board. Your gateway to NRC, DOE, NNSA, and national lab positions. Use your veteran's preference.
Visit siteClearanceJobs
Job board specifically for cleared professionals. Your security clearance is a major asset — use it.
Visit siteNavy Nuke Job Finder
The #1 nuke jobs community. Facebook group + website with job postings, career guides, and a newsletter with area-specific opportunities.
Visit siteBradley-Morris / RecruitMilitary
29+ years of military recruiting. Nationwide placement for JMOs, NCOs, and enlisted technicians.
Visit siteClearedJobs.Net
Veteran-owned cleared job board. Defense, intelligence, and government employers. Hosts virtual and in-person career fairs.
Visit siteNaval Nuclear Laboratory
Direct hire for veterans with nuke experience. They build and maintain the reactor systems you operated.
Visit siteLucas Group / Korn Ferry
Founded in 1970 for military transition. 50,000+ veteran placements. Has Navy nuclear submarine veterans on staff.
Visit siteContractor vs. Direct Hire
Should you go contract or direct? Pros, cons, pay differences, and when each path makes sense for Navy nukes.
Read the guideBest Cities for Navy Nukes
The top metro areas ranked by nuke job density, salary, cost of living, and quality of life. Where to relocate after the Navy.
Read the guideVA Benefits
Don't leave benefits on the table. These resources help you file correctly.
VA.gov — File a Claim
Start your Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claim 180-90 days before separation.
File your claimDAV (Disabled American Veterans)
Free claims assistance from accredited representatives. They know the system — use them.
Get helpVA GI Bill Benefits
Education benefits for certifications, degrees, or trade programs. Check your eligibility and remaining months. See our GI Bill deep dive for nuke-specific strategies.
Check benefitsVA.gov (formerly eBenefits)
Manage your VA benefits, check claim status, and download letters. eBenefits has migrated to VA.gov — create your account before separation.
Visit VA.govCertifications
Certifications that translate your nuke training into civilian credentials employers recognize.
Navy COOL
Free certifications funded by the Navy while you're still active duty. EPA 608, OSHA 30, CEM, Six Sigma, and more.
Browse certsAWS Certifications
Cloud Practitioner and Solutions Architect certs for data center and tech career paths.
Learn morePMP (Project Management)
Your Navy leadership experience counts toward PMP eligibility. High-value cert across industries.
Learn moreNRC Reactor Operator License
Required for licensed operator roles at commercial nuclear plants. 18-24 month process after hire.
Learn moreCompTIA for Navy Nukes
Which CompTIA certs make sense for your rate and career path. A+, Network+, Security+, and more — mapped to nuke skills.
Read the guideAdvanced Certifications
Beyond the basics — PE, CHP, SRO, CISSP, and other advanced certs that accelerate your career and pay ceiling.
Read the guideFree Certification Programs
These programs fund certifications and training at no cost. Most are only available while on active duty — use them before you separate.
Navy COOL Complete Guide
Step-by-step walkthrough of Navy COOL, USMAP, VET TEC 2.0, and every free cert program available. The most important page on this site.
Read the guideUSMAP
Earn a free DOL Journeyworker certificate by logging on-the-job training hours. Zero cost, no off-duty time. 91% employment rate.
Learn moreOnward to Opportunity (O2O)
40+ free professional certifications through Syracuse IVMF. Available to active duty, veterans, and military spouses.
Learn moreVET TEC 2.0
Free tech training — coding bootcamps, cybersecurity, data science. Reopening June 2026. Limited to 4,000 participants.
Learn moreCISA Learning
Free online cybersecurity training for veterans. No cost, self-paced, industry-relevant courses.
Learn moreGI Bill Cert Reimbursement
VA reimburses up to $2,000 per certification exam. Pay, test, submit VA Form 22-0803 for reimbursement.
Learn moreNuke Community
You're not doing this alone. These communities are full of nukes who've been through it.
Navy Nuke Job Finder (Facebook)
The most active nuke transition community. Job postings, advice, and networking. Must have profile photo to join.
Join groupNavy Nuke Network
Networking community for Navy nuclear veterans. Connect with nukes across all career paths.
Visit siteLinkedIn Free Premium
1 full year of free LinkedIn Premium for veterans. Includes LinkedIn Learning (10,000+ courses), InMail credits, and salary insights. Read our LinkedIn optimization guide to make the most of it.
Claim offerRallyPoint
Military social network with nuke-specific discussion groups. Good for connecting with veterans in your target industry.
Visit siteFinancial Planning
Get your finances squared away before and after separation.
TSP (Thrift Savings Plan)
Don't cash out your TSP. Roll it over or keep it growing. Understand your options before you leave.
Visit siteMilitary OneSource
Free financial counseling, tax prep, and transition support available 365 days after separation.
Visit siteFinancial Planning for Navy Nukes
TSP decisions, emergency fund targets, salary negotiation math, and the full financial checklist for your transition.
Read the guideHousing & Relocation
Your housing benefit is one of the most valuable perks of military service. Use it wisely.
VA Home Loans
No down payment, no PMI mortgage benefit for eligible veterans. One of the most valuable benefits you've earned.
Learn moreMilitaryByOwner
Housing search and rental listings near military installations and common veteran relocation cities.
Visit siteUSAA Mortgage & Real Estate
Military-focused banking with mortgage, insurance, and relocation support.
Visit site