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Aviation · Army career profile

15Q Air Traffic Control (ATC) Operator

As an Air Traffic Control (ATC) Operator, you'll track aircraft such as jets and helicopters to ensure mission success while maintaining critical safe flight operations. You’ll coordinate aircraft movement for takeoff and landing as well as track aircraft in flight in both tactical and non-tactical environments. You’ll have to follow specific procedures, rules, and regulations. You’ll control airborne and ground traffic for safety, process flight plan data, and you will help set up tactical air traffic control facilities on the front lines, ensuring the safety of every pilot and passenger.

ASVABST 101
Training10 weeks of Basic Training + 17 weeks of Advanced Individual Training
Physical demandsSignificant
ClearanceEligible for a Secret Security Clearance. Clearance eligibility is not guaranteed and assignment requirements can change.

What the job involves

Typical duties

  • As an Air Traffic Control (ATC) Operator, you'll track aircraft such as jets and helicopters to ensure mission success while maintaining critical safe flight operations.
  • You’ll coordinate aircraft movement for takeoff and landing as well as track aircraft in flight in both tactical and non-tactical environments.
  • You’ll have to follow specific procedures, rules, and regulations.
  • You’ll control airborne and ground traffic for safety, process flight plan data, and you will help set up tactical air traffic control facilities on the front lines, ensuring the safety of every pilot and passenger.

Transferable experience

Skills learned

Communication ProtocolsRadar OperationsAircraft ProceduresMake accurate and immediate decisionsCommunicate EffectivelyRemain calm under stressWorking as a team

Education insight

Training may support future education.

Estimated potential recommendation range: 3–12 semester hours.

EnlistReady estimate based on the longest training segment stated in the current public profile (17 weeks). Actual recommendations appear on an individual Joint Services Transcript and each college decides what it will accept and how credits apply.

Related degree ideas

  • Aviation Maintenance
  • Aeronautics

Civilian connection

Potential civilian jobs related to 15Q experience.

Military experience does not guarantee civilian employment or a salary outcome. Requirements vary by employer, location, education, certification, licensing, and experience.

Potential role

Air Traffic Control Specialist

Illustrative salary information: $45,000–$100,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and required credentials

Example employers: Airlines, Aerospace manufacturers, Aircraft maintenance providers

Credential note: A civilian license, certification, academy, or employer-approved credential may be required.

Search current Air Traffic Control Specialist jobs on Indeed ↗
Potential role

Airline Safety Inspector

Illustrative salary information: $45,000–$100,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and required credentials

Example employers: Airlines, Aerospace manufacturers, Aircraft maintenance providers

Credential note: A civilian license, certification, academy, or employer-approved credential may be required.

Search current Airline Safety Inspector jobs on Indeed ↗
Potential role

Airport Operations Manager

Illustrative salary information: $45,000–$100,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and required credentials

Example employers: Airlines, Aerospace manufacturers, Aircraft maintenance providers

Credential note: A college degree may be required or preferred; some employers may also require professional certification or licensing.

Search current Airport Operations Manager jobs on Indeed ↗

Verify important details

Official and supporting sources

Keep exploring

Related aviation MOS options

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