15P Career Guide
15P: Air Traffic Control Operator
Career transition guide for Army Air Traffic Control Operator (15P)
Translate Your 15P Experience Now
Get a personalized AI-powered translation of your military experience into civilian resume language.
Start Free TranslationCivilian Career Pathways
Top civilian roles for 15P veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Air Traffic Controller
Skills to develop:
Emergency Management Specialist
Skills to develop:
Logistics Manager
Skills to develop:
Flight Dispatcher
Skills to develop:
Operations Manager
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 15P training built — and where they transfer.
Situational Awareness
15Ps must constantly monitor air traffic, weather conditions, and potential threats to maintain a comprehensive understanding of the operational environment.
This translates to the ability to perceive and understand your surroundings in a dynamic environment, anticipate potential problems, and make informed decisions based on real-time information.
Rapid Prioritization
Dispatching aircraft involves quickly assessing the urgency and importance of different missions, allocating resources accordingly, and making critical decisions under pressure.
You can quickly evaluate competing demands, identify critical tasks, and allocate resources effectively to meet deadlines and achieve goals in fast-paced situations.
Procedural Compliance
15Ps are responsible for ensuring strict adherence to aviation regulations, safety protocols, and established procedures to prevent accidents and maintain operational efficiency.
You understand the importance of following established guidelines, policies, and regulations to ensure accuracy, safety, and consistency in your work.
Team Synchronization
Coordinating flight plans with various agencies, communicating with pilots, and working with maintenance crews requires seamless teamwork and effective communication to ensure mission success.
You excel at collaborating with diverse teams, coordinating efforts, and communicating effectively to achieve shared objectives.
Resource Optimization
Dispatchers must allocate aircraft, personnel, and equipment efficiently to meet mission requirements while minimizing waste and maximizing operational effectiveness.
You have the ability to effectively manage resources, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to optimize efficiency and productivity.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Logistics Coordinator
SOC 43-3071.00You've been managing complex logistical operations for aircraft. Now, you can use those skills to coordinate the movement of goods and materials in various industries, such as supply chain management or transportation.
Emergency Management Specialist
SOC 11-9161.00Your experience in managing critical situations and coordinating responses to emergencies in aviation translates perfectly to helping communities prepare for and respond to natural disasters and other crises.
Project Manager
SOC 11-9021.00You've been planning, coordinating, and executing complex aviation operations. Now, you can apply those skills to manage projects in various industries, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
Airfield Manager
SOC 11-9000You possess a strong understanding of FAA regulations and aviation operations. Now you can shift those skills to civilian aviation by managing a municipal or private airport. This ensures the facility operates smoothly and safely for all users.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Air Traffic Control Operator Course, Fort Rucker, AL
Topics Covered
- •Air Traffic Control Procedures
- •Flight Regulations and Publications
- •Meteorology and Weather Interpretation
- •Air Navigation and Chart Reading
- •Communication Procedures
- •Emergency Procedures and Crash Response
- •Flight Planning and Clearance Processing
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Specific FAA regulations, aircraft performance, meteorology, and flight planning as it applies to commercial aviation. Requires passing FAA exams and practical demonstration.
Requires a more in-depth understanding of information security principles, risk management, and security technologies. Need to study all domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK).
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| AN/TPN-19 Landing Control Central | Mobile air traffic control tower systems |
| Digital Airfield Management System (DAMS) | Airport Management Software (e.g., Amadeus, SITA) |
| Standard Army Aviation Command and Control System (SAACCS) | Flight planning and management software (e.g., ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot) |
| Joint Airspace Management System (JAMS) | Airspace management and traffic flow management systems (e.g., FAA's NextGen) |
| Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) data | Commercial weather data providers (e.g., AccuWeather, The Weather Company) |
| Tactical Airspace Integration System (TAIS) | Airspace planning and deconfliction software |
Ready to Translate Your Experience?
Our AI-powered translator converts your 15P experience into ATS-optimized civilian resume language.
Translate My Resume — Free