Ask A Military Controller

WatchThis Trusted Member Arizona

That's me. Going good, retired and living civillian life now. Hope all is well with you.

quicksilveer11 Newcomer

HI,

I am 24 and desperately wanting to become an ATCer. I'm contemplating joining the military, but do I have enough time?
I hear the AF is my safest bet in that I will have my needs met and most likely have a guaranteed job with the FAA when I get out. Do you know which branch is best for getting a civilian job with the FAA, and which branch offers the shortest enlistments?

Thanks,

Neema

Salkadi Newcomer

I'm not an expert per se, but I don't think any branch is better in regards to getting a civilian job with the FAA.

However, Marines or Air force will probably be your best bet. A lot of Army facilities are contracted out or done by civilians. In the navy, there's a chance you'll get stuck on a ship.

Marines require a 5 year enlistment and the Air force requires a 6 year enlistment for ATC.

StrangeBrew Brewmaster Chapel Hill, NC

This is a sticky, not a forum. Try posting your question in the "Ask A Military Controller" Forum.

But, the Navy also requires a 5 year enlistment. Shipboard experience does not count toward "52 weeks of consecutive ATC experience" as required for VRA apps, so make sure you visit a shore-based Naval Air Station.

Also, with the Marines, you would select the Air Traffic Controller / Air Support job group. It also includes Air Control Electronics Operator and Air Support Operations Operator. You're not guaranteed to be an ATCS. You sign up for the Marines to be a Marine.

mikecoyne34 Trusted Contributor BNA

Find a AF guard unit that offers ATC. Enlist, go through your training and try to get a deployment. That should give you the time you need for the FAA, or at least be close to it. Plus, last I heard the guard gives sign bonuses for ATC.

SSgt Young StuckMic Marine Corps Liaison California

Not entirely true. There is a study out to screen our candidates better. Along with that, there will be an option for qualified people to have ATC as a guarantee in their contract.

SA_Indian Rookie Okinawa, Japan

Short enlistment doesn't always equate to the appropriate ratings. You want enough time in to get a CTO or TRACON rating and still meet your other military obligations (deployements and such). The USMC requires you to get a major rating within the first 3 years...this is good news if that is your goal.