High ASVAB (93) and need more info about ATC

Ssmith Newcomer

I am a former teacher and looking to enlist in the military. I took the ASVAB today and achieved a AFQT of 93. Im very interested in ATC yet what is the best route...Air Force or Navy? I understand the enlistment is a minimum of 6 years for Air Force. I have a BA yet unsure if I want to become an officer. I am currently 27. How does my age factor into working with the FAA if I decided not to re-enlist.

DogmaEnigma Senior Member Virginia

Could he not apply under a RMC announcement once he completed his military commitment and not be subject to the age 31 cutoff?

Because it is my understanding that RMCs do not have to be hired before age 31.

Quoted from Boomer (http://www.stuckmic.com/62463-post92.html)

polo708 Epic Member tower

he would have to retire from the military to qualify for that.

DogmaEnigma Senior Member Virginia

Thanks for the clarification. The announcement made it unclear.

Radium Epic Member SoCal Tracon

nj on the test ^_^ almost tied me

I knew of one person at my base who was 27 when he joined... I think we washed him out... though he was a dumbass. Ya kiss the FAA goodbye if you go Active Duty. But there are always the reserve to faa or pubnat way... which in theory take 2-3yrs... sneaking you in at 29/30. GL.

polo708 Epic Member tower

... also you can apply for a DOD job up to the age of 35.

Ssmith Newcomer

Thanks for all the info. Do many military ATCs go the full twenty years? From what I gathered the money is with the FAA. How does working for the DoD compare to the FAA?

polo708 Epic Member tower

DOD is just as good... the pay will be comparable once the new pay scale kicks in for the FAA and benefits are the same. Work hours and schedules will probably be better in the DOD.

If you go military the reenlistment bonuses are incredible right now.

SpinningHat Mr. Hat Minneapolis, MN

I was under the impression that as a VRA applicant the 31 years age requirement doesn't apply?

polo708 Epic Member tower

nope, unless you've been employed by the FAA in the past you must be in before 31... VRA or not. Only other way is by retiring from the military as a controller.