Newbie here!

sailor_pianist Senior Member Birmingham, AL

Hello everyone!

My name is Tarria and I'm enlisting in the U.S. Navy as an Air Traffic Controller. I leave for basic training in June and will be 24 when I enlist. I'll be 29 when I get out of the Navy, will I still have a shot at getting hired by the FAA (I know I'll be cutting it close). Should I apply a year before I get out of the Military? Also, does anyone know how I can become CTO certified while in the Navy (I know controlling aircraft on a carrier doesn't count. I just need some advice on ensuring I can get that CTO certification)?


It's nice to meet all of you. I hope you don't mind the many questions I have.lol

whegner Junior Member

Congrats on your decision.

To obtain a CTO (Control Tower Operator) certificate you would need to be certified through Local control at a land based (Naval Air Station) tower. Do not confuse that with the CTO exam you will take your first week in "A" school.

As far as FAA, DoD, or FCT goes...who knows what it will look like 6 years from now. They may all be hiring like crazy or there might be a freeze. Generally, you would begin preparing 12-6 months out from your end of service. I would contact FAA to find out best hiring route for vets (assuming a fast-track program exists), talk to (i.e. kiss up to) the DoD'ers you work with, and reach out to the various FCT contractors all in the hopes that IF you decide to get out you can land softly. Don't count out the fact that you may end up loving the Navy and want to stay in forever. It has been known to happen.

Key bit of advice though, don't worry about 2017 now. Make sure you get in the "Navy Way" first meaning you just made a commitment to the service of the country first. Get through basic...do your best, go to "A" school...do your best there as well and when you get to your first command do whatever it takes to do your best and become part of the team. Remember, it's not a job...it's an adventure.

Fair winds and flowing seas to you and best of luck swabbie.

Roddy_Piper Resident Knucklehead Vegas baby

congrats on your enlistment and thanks for deciding to serve our country. welcome to the site.

atc4life Newcomer Oklahoma City

First off Congrats on AC. The best Rate in the NAVY lol... I would recommend you study hard while at A school because you have the opportunity to choose where you will be stationed based on your class standing... just don't choose Naples Italy i was stationed there and we do not get rated there and same with Atsugi Japan I cant speak for the rest of the Navy Air Stations just giving you the heads up if your ultimate goal is to be hired as a controller on the civilian side. i am having a hard time getting picked up because i am not rated so try hard to get a conus tower like Corpus or Pax River. and you wont have any problems getting hired once you get checked out there.

sailor_pianist Senior Member Birmingham, AL

So are you still able to apply VRA or are you trying to go OTS with a Vet preference?

VM_AIRBOSS Junior Member Melbourne, FL

The information about Naples Italy and Atsugi Japan is correct. Not a good place to go for ATC, unless you like doing a lot of paperwork and being a liaison.

atc4life Newcomer Oklahoma City

i am unable to be hired as a controller under VRA i have to go in as a OTS person with VET PREF

sailor_pianist Senior Member Birmingham, AL

So, did you not get a CTO while in Italy? Is this even possible? If so, why can't you apply for the FAA's CTO announcement?