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TruBlu
08-07-2009, 04:46 PM
Well, today I got a call and have been reserved a slot as an Air Traffic Controller for the USAF. The needs of the USAF have trumped my requests of being part of aircrew, but I have been reserved a slot for ATC and have been told that if I wish to continue to pursue employment under AFSOC, I may. So, as of right now, I'm an ATC man, well next August that is... And in the mean time, training up for the PAST. I'm not sure if we have any current or past ATC members here, but if we do, I'd love to hear about your experience with them and what you had to endure (and maybe what you enjoyed).

And as to any other aircrew hopeful (back up for me actually...), be prepared to wait for three or four years to cross train into it, 'cause the Air Force doesn't usually pull first time enlistee's into those positions. Remember, only about 1% of the USAF is aircrew, and most of those men/women have served for years already.
SlightlyCatholic
08-07-2009, 05:31 PM
Congrats on getting locked in. I think skf_atc did some Air Traffic Control in High School. Maybe he'll show up and comment on this...
-BuLL-
08-08-2009, 01:11 AM
I've never really done much with ATC, but I do know of a pretty popular website where you can listen to live ATC feeds. I believe its www.liveatc.net . It's neat to listen to sometimes.
TruBlu
08-08-2009, 01:37 AM
I've never really done much with ATC, but I do know of a pretty popular website where you can listen to live ATC feeds. I believe its www.liveatc.net . It's neat to listen to sometimes.

Cool! I'll check that out some time.
Buffa1oso1di3r
08-08-2009, 02:03 AM
I have a friend who's an ATC. Get on MSN sometime, I'll see if I can hook you two up. He's stationed up in South Dakota.
Drill for life
08-08-2009, 06:03 AM
One of the recruiters that works in my area was a ATC in the US Marine Corps. Said it could be a fun job sometimes. Good luck though.
Startingover
08-08-2009, 05:30 PM
Nice work on the position Trublu. I think there are only 30 slots a year opened up for all the services if im correct, if not i appologize, I only know what ive been told on the subject. I once thought i would do it but now im stuck in a passion rut with a logistics career infront of me.
TruBlu
08-08-2009, 05:32 PM
Nice work on the position Trublu. I think there are only 30 slots a year opened up for all the services if im correct, if not i appologize, I only know what ive been told on the subject. I once thought i would do it but now im stuck in a passion rut with a logistics career infront of me.

Not sure how many are available each year, my recruiter said I have the only one that he received. But Airman Magazine said they've got over 2,000 ATC men/women, so I'd think it would be over 30 or so. Maybe 30 for first time enlistee's, that kind of makes sense. I'll look into that, maybe ask the recruiting office about it.
Startingover
08-08-2009, 05:40 PM
Well that was what i was referring to. About 30 slots are availible for all the services to train a year. Like pilots slots, they only take a certain number of people a year to train. But the number is astronomically low though, I know that because its a huge math bane.

What were your ASVABs?
TruBlu
08-08-2009, 06:30 PM
What were your ASVABs?

All around the same area, a 93 overall on the military issued one. I scored well above the requirement for any job.
Startingover
08-08-2009, 06:45 PM
Nice, u scored just higher than I did but that was years ago, before I took the AFOQT. Blew those scores out of the water to, quallied to be Air Battle Manager but I want to do logistics and support Command.
TruBlu
08-08-2009, 07:16 PM
I haven't taken the AFQT, when do I do that? Or do I?
Billyd
08-08-2009, 07:27 PM
I haven't taken the AFQT, when do I do that? Or do I?

No need unless you desire to cross over to the dark side of the force ;). The AFOQT is the Air Force Officers Qualification Test given to those desiring a career as an officer.
TruBlu
08-08-2009, 07:31 PM
No need unless you desire to cross over to the dark side of the force ;). The AFOQT is the Air Force Officers Qualification Test given to those desiring a career as an officer.

Uh oh, I plan on spending 6 years enlisted, then going to school for 4 to 6 years then commissioning as an officer. :D
Startingover
08-08-2009, 09:18 PM
No need unless you desire to cross over to the dark side of the force ;). The AFOQT is the Air Force Officers Qualification Test given to those desiring a career as an officer.

It isnt the dark side of the force, if it were, id have cookies!

Ahem. But yes, its the officer qualifications test. And from personal experience its one heck of a test too. Its a more specific ASVAB, not concentrated on tech skills but more conceptual and device reading. It sorts out if you are cut out for officer qualifications, Pilot qualifications, and Air Battle managers. There are other things too that it can apply for but those are the standards the test is given for.

And btw thats a great plan if you want to go enlist to officer. Our Staff Sergeant of our detachment just did that plan herself. Shes going into the cadet corps next semester and is going to be in the 2010 Maxwell Field training.
skf_atc
08-08-2009, 11:42 PM
ATC, my neck of the woods.

Any questions you have about ANYTHING having to do with Air Traffic, let me know. I have 4 years prior working with the NSCC, during that time worked in 1 AFB tower as an observer/semi data controller, 1 NAS as a full controller, and 2 uncontrolled civilian fields providing advisory services.
TruBlu
08-09-2009, 04:39 PM
ATC, my neck of the woods.

Any questions you have about ANYTHING having to do with Air Traffic, let me know. I have 4 years prior working with the NSCC, during that time worked in 1 AFB tower as an observer/semi data controller, 1 NAS as a full controller, and 2 uncontrolled civilian fields providing advisory services.

Sweet, PM inbound.