Which Branch

gokorn1 Rookie

Well it doesn't look like OTS is going to work out for me. I have been thinking about joining the military instead. From my research it looks like the Air Force requires 5 years for ATC. Ill be 31 when i get out. I was wondering if anyone could tell me if the other branchs offer less than 5 years for atc.
Thanks

MikeATC Retired FAA, NATCA Member Nashville TN

Technically all first time enlistment contracts are 6 years, unless your MOS requires it, you normally only serve on active duty for 4 years and the last two as inactive reserves. Unless it has changed and I'm sure someone will correct me.

I'd be more concerned with which branch will provide me the most opportunities and experience. We've rated the services before: USAF, USN, USMC, Army.

atcbrownie Trusted Member Warrenton Va

usaf requires a 6 year enlistment for atc not 5 unless things have changed in the last year.

ATC_MacGyver MacGyver with the bears.

8 year obligation.. airforce will require 6 of those years to be active duty if you go as an air traffic controller. They Navy requires 5 of those years to be active duty to be an air traffic controller. Same withe the Marines. .

SSgt Young StuckMic Marine Corps Liaison California

I wish i was around when the services got rated. I'm curious as to how the Corps came in third as far as opportunity and experience. While we have fewer duty stations we definately get alot of experience. All of our air stations have CTO's and everyone gets opportunity to train. We do only have two Rapcon's but four of our eight duty stations are arrival controls. Since we are smaller than the other services its not uncommon for a Lance Corporal (E-3) to be a RWS or TWS

gokorn1 Rookie

thanks guys

ATC_MacGyver MacGyver with the bears.

i also wasn't there. but.... Do marines get to pick their job? or not? maybe that whole "marine first, atc second" mentality had something ot do with the rankings. but i dont know.

SSgt Young StuckMic Marine Corps Liaison California

We get assigned to start training where there is an opening. However the Marine Corps wants all of us to be fully rated up and down to make deployments easier to man. Now if you meant do we get to pick to be ATC then yes if you fight it enough. I had atc on my contract as my MOS.

Not everyone has the Marine first ATC second mentality either.

ATC_MacGyver MacGyver with the bears.

oh i completely agree, i would almost think that MOST would be on the same page as you on that.

but the marine corps sees every marine as marine first, mos second. that is my impression anyway. i'm not saying it's bad man.

SSgt Young StuckMic Marine Corps Liaison California

That's usually the case but not so much in our job. I have never seen anyone sent out for additional duties like working base ops, working in the kitchen, or anything crazy like i've heard about some navy guys. (Unless they was out of course) For the most part we just do our job and our required Marine training. That required Marine training is generally scheduled around our ATC training.