Army National Guard ATC to FAA ATC

Melrell33 Newcomer

I just enlisted in the Army National Guard and my MOS is ATC. I was wondering if I can work with the FAA when I come back from my AIT. I heard this was possible but I'm not really sure. I was wondering if there is anyone out there actually doing it right now or has done it already. If it is possible, how long is the process to get hired with FAA?

MikeATC Retired FAA, NATCA Member Nashville TN

A long time ago at KFWA, the OIC of the ANG ATC unit at Fort Wayne use to come over once a week and work traffic in the tower while plugged in with an FPL (certified OJTI). This same individual was able to retire from the ANG and get hired as a controller at FWA and I think he is working at Tucson AZ tower.

ColtsATC Trusted Contributor Indy

Not right after AIT. You have to have real world experience to be picked up as VRA, which for us guard guys is usually a deployment. But you have still apply OTS, but that would cost you a bit of money since you start out a D1 pay as opposed to AG pay.

And you should have joined the Air National guard to get real ATC experience. Army controllers suck :-)

Melrell33 Newcomer

Yeah I'm actually looking to deploy once I get back so I could get the chance to be picked up as a VRA when I'm done with the guard. How long is OTS and what's the range of money I'd be paying? And How do Army controllers suck? I'm still going to get good ATC experience if not better.

Nghs8874 Newcomer

Hey ColtsATC : Ive got a few questions

Alright, Im totally down for doing the ANG due to the fact I was in CTI at Middle Georgia College and it completely sucked I made B average grades but they were money hungry and also expected to much as far as getting better ratings for the school. BUT ANYWAYS

#1. I will have a college degree when I sign up this summer, I hear I will enter ANG as a E-3, so how would the pay work as far as ANG??? I know the amount but do you receive it monthly just as a regular enlistee?? or would I not get E-3 pay & only get the pay I get for going on weekends, then once I get deployed start getting E-3 Pay??

#2 Im 100% sure I want to Deploy so I would def receive my VRA once deployed. If I dont deploy how long does it usually take to get a rating in ANG??

Thanks alot man, I really appreciate it. I didnt know if I wanted to Enlist or What, but I had no clue about going in the ANG way, seems like the best option if you are ready to get on with the FAA asap..and not 6 years down the line

delrey Newcomer

Army controllers Suck? Dude you live in Indy!!!!! I wouldn't talk.

jwnewsome I see you creepin' Kosovo -> KTYS

#1. I will have a college degree when I sign up this summer, I hear I will enter ANG as a E-3, so how would the pay work as far as ANG??? I know the amount but do you receive it monthly just as a regular enlistee?? or would I not get E-3 pay & only get the pay I get for going on weekends, then once I get deployed start getting E-3 Pay??

You get paid for your weekend drills, which is the same ammount to 4 days of pay if I remember correctly.

#2 Im 100% sure I want to Deploy so I would def receive my VRA once deployed. If I dont deploy how long does it usually take to get a rating in ANG??

Without getting deployed, getting a rating as a Guard member can be difficult unless you have an outstanding Readiness NCO and gets you some TDY's.

Hope that helps out some...

GolfJuliet F*** Terrorism

I'm not saying Army controller suck, but everybody does make fun of them.