What The Navy's Really Like - The Truth About Submarine School

What happens after boot camp? In this episode, we dive deep into what happens after a non-nuclear submarine sailor graduates from boot camp and begins their journey in submarine service. From initial training at Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS) to the specialized technical courses and the first days on board a submarine, this video gives you a comprehensive look at the steps involved in becoming a non-nuclear submariner. 🎓 Key Highlights: Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS): What is BESS, and why is it critical to a sailor's career? We walk you through the 8-week program, including the basic skills learned, the different submarine systems, and the emergency training (firefighting, escape, and flooding drills) that prepare sailors for high-stakes situations on board. Submarine Systems & Rates: Learn about the various submarine systems sailors are trained on, from hydraulics to sonar. We also explore the different rates (jobs) available to submariners, such as sonar techs, fire control technicians, and electronics technicians. High-Risk Training: The final two weeks of BESS feature intense, hands-on training with real-world scenarios, including fire, escape, and flooding simulations. Hear about the life-saving skills sailors are taught in these high-pressure environments. Living at Sub School: What’s daily life like for sailors during BESS? From barracks life to the liberty system (White Card, Yellow Card, and Blue Card), this section gives a glimpse into the day-to-day experience of sailors going through training. Post-BESS Training: After BESS, sailors move on to additional specialized schools, such as ATT (Apprentice Technical Training), Techno (Network Operations), or their rate-specific A-schools. Learn how the journey doesn’t stop after BESS, and why technical skills and troubleshooting are critical for a successful career. Tips for Success: Advice from those who’ve been there — we share essential tips for succeeding in submarine school, including the importance of time management, following instructions, and being punctual. Nuke vs Non-Nuke: In the next episode, we’ll break down the different training pipelines for nuclear-trained sailors vs non-nuclear sailors, and how the training paths differ despite similar foundations.