General Info:
Navy Air Traffic Controllers (AC) perform duties similar to civilian air traffic controllers and play a key role in the effective use of Naval airpower throughout the world in operational and training environments. Standards for entry into the AC field are high, but once accepted into the field, Navy ACs enjoy a demanding and highly rewarding career. This is a five-year enlistment program.
What They Do:
Navy ACs are responsible for safely and effectively directing aircraft operating from airfields or the decks of aircraft carriers. They also control the movement of aircraft and vehicles on airfield taxiways and issue flight instructions to pilots by radio. Specific duties include: controlling and directing air traffic at airfields and on aircraft carriers using radio, radar, and other signaling devices; providing aircraft with critical information on other air traffic, navigation systems, and airfield conditions essential to safe operations; operating and adjusting computer-based ground/carrier-controlled navigation and radar approach systems; interpreting data shown on radar screens and plotting aircraft positions; maintaining aeronautical charts and maps.
Detailed List of Required Duties
VE+AR+MK+MC=210 -OR-VE+MK+MC+CS=210
Other Requirements:
Must have normal color perception. Must have normal hearing. Must have no speech impediment. Security Clearance, (SECRET) Requirement. 60 month obligation. Must be U.S. citizen
Notes: Visual acuity must be correctable to 20/20. When specified, uncorrected visual acuity must not be greater than that indicated (i.e. 20/100), and must be correctable to 20/20.
Must be 18 years old upon school entry. Be physically qualified IAW MANMED. No history of drug abuse. Persons convicted by Federal/State statutes for drug offense(s) are not eligible. No waivers authorized.
Technical Training Information:
Enlistees are taught the fundamentals of this rating through formal Navy schooling. Advanced technical and operational training is available in this rating during later stages of career development.
Pensacola -- 110 caldendar days
Following "A" school, air traffic controllers spend one to two years gaining additional skills through on-the-job training at their first duty station. This consists of additional lab, lecture, and individual training leading to certification at that airfield facility. ACs are stationed in traffic control centers on aircraft carriers or at air traffic control facilities in the United States or overseas. During a 20-year period in the Navy, ACs spend approximately 30 percent of their time assigned to fleet units and 70 percent to shore stations.
Working Environment:
ACs usually work in clean, office-like environments at naval air stations and on-board aircraft carriers. They work closely with others, are closely supervised, and do mostly mental work.
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