ATC, USAF and FAA

wamz Newcomer

Hey guys, I am looking for a little advice. I am very interesting in joining the AF as an ATC but I am a tad bit skeptical.
I am 24 now and will be turning 25 in October. I am thinking for joining sometime early next year after I get my yearly bonus from my current job and take care of acouple of things before joining the air force (read debt)

I was wondering, do you think I am “too old” to join? Do I have to enlist for 6 years? Is there anyway I can get a 4 year contract. The reason I am concerned is because I know the cut of to join the FAA is 31. Would I be cutting it too close?

Any advice will be much appreciated.

Thanks

HowBoutThemBoys Rookie

You'll have to do 6 years if you're going to do ATC in the Air Force. I recently got out and was one of the last to get to enlist for only 4 years. Sorry

HowBoutThemBoys Rookie

don't take my word for it...call a recruiter it may have changed or there may be a way to get you in and out in 4 years...best of luck

speediebang Senior Member Gulfport, Mississippi

Definately is still 6 years only on active duty contract. Best military bet for you is to join the ANG. As soon as you are done with your training, 1-2 yrs, you are eligible to hang as a VRA in the app process. Good luck!

aflslick Newcomer Luke AFB

I'm in the process of cross training into ATC. I have been in the Air Force for 6 years as a F-16/F-22 avionic tech. I was wondering what I can do to prepare myself for the tech school. I'm pretty exciting for the next chapter. I'm cross training under the NCORP, will I have to choose a three level base or can I go to a five level base out of tech school. I would appreciate any help or experience you guys have.
Thanks,

Radium Epic Member SoCal Tracon

@Wamz.

No way you can do AF then FAA if you are 24 now. As speedie said, you could do ANG/ AFReserves and you would be looking at say... 1yr for basic/techschool/training... then a 6month deployment to Iraq/Afgan.... Then would be qualified to apply as a Veteran after that. With that route, my money would be on two and 1/2 years from the day you leave for basic, and the day you get your Temp offer from the FAA.

speediebang Senior Member Gulfport, Mississippi

Probably more spot on!

xxDYxx Rookie Florida (KPAM)

As far as preparing, don't worry too much. Tech school is more like learning a play than learning Air Traffic. They tell you what your going over tomorrow, you go home learn the phraseology for that subject, then go in the next day and apply what you learned at the appropriate time. ATC training actually starts once you get to your duty station. And for the Base, your going to be a 3 level until you get your SEI, so no 5 level only places.

Hinesd Newcomer Travis AFB, CA

3-level. I cross-trained out of mx as well. One thing to be prepared for is to check your rank at the door. When you get to your first facility you will be absolutely useless to them and will be treated as such. Expect to clean some toilets while A1Cs who are rated work position. Suck up your pride, since of entitlement, or whatever it is and just deal with it. It's just the way it is. You will have to do a lot of studying once you get to your base. The quickest way to get washed out is by not knowing the books.

Good Luck. I hope you enjoy it. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 8 years since I retrained.

atcguruaf Rico Suave AZ

incorrect. If you do Air Force, then land a DoD job, you can get hired FAA once you obtain your 2152. There are no guarantees though, so proceed with caution.