Obviously the answer would depend on the individual, but so far as can be generalized: All Submarine officers attend Nuclear Power school as part of their training program. “Power school” is a long, academically grueling course, and has a justly-earned reputation of being one of the toughest ‘schoolhouses’ in the Navy.
Then there is an extended, rigorous qualification process once they reach their first Fleet boat before they earn their ‘dolphins’ as fully-qualified sub officer.
Sub guys, both officer and enlisted, take a lot of pride in being sub guys and they don’t just hand out dolphins.
Basically, it’s an intimidating process, without the glamor of being a pilot or SEAL, and a lot of guys get turned off from wanting to try it. I know I certainly would not have made it through nuke school.
