CTI Graduate thinking about joining AF

Chickens Newcomer

So I'm graduating in May of this year. I've always wanted to serve in the military but never knew quite how I wanted to go about it. Maybe it's just not plausible in my life, who knows.

Is it beneficial at all towards becoming an AF Controller to have my CTI degree? I also have a 3 year old son, would I have any say in where I get assigned? Is it likely that I'd get a full deployment? What kind of extra training would I need on top of what I've done already? When (if) I retire out of the military, what is the process of becoming a civilian controller; is it faster than just through the CTI school, or would I have to wait about a year like the rest of em? Should I just scrap this idea and hit up the FAA when I graduate?

Thanks ;-)

AlphaLima Senior Member Florida

As far as your CTI and air traffic in the AF, they dont care. You'll have to go through the entire tech school and training the same as anyone coming in. Coming in for 6 years you can expect at least one deployment but not totally sure how that will go with pulling out of Iraq (Afghanistan is all contractors at this point).

GolfJuliet F*** Terrorism

Correct, AF ATC is an enlisted career(hence no college degree needed so they don't care). When you get out you would be apply to apply as a reinstate(don't exactly know the acronym, but you would get vet preference for being in the military which would help you in getting the facility you want. Hope this helps! (If it was me I would graduate, apply, and wait...just my $.02)

MikeATC Retired FAA, NATCA Member Nashville TN

Chickens,
You don't mention whether you are graduating with a two or four year degree, plus I'm assuming that you are a single parent.

If you are going to have a bachelors degree then I would seriously consider applying for OCS (officer canidate school), the pay for an officer is a lot better than that of an enlisted person, and because you have a son, you would be able to provide better for him being an officer, get on line and look at the pay rate differences for an officer vs. enlisted person.

I applaud you for considering joining the military, and I know it isn't an easy choice to make but if you do, the experience will be invaluable. If you are a single parent you will face some difficult challenges, but if you have family that can stand by you and help you can overcome every challenge you encounter.