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7220 Career Guide

Marine Corps

7220: Air Traffic Control Officer

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Air Traffic Control Officer (7220)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 7220 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Air Traffic Controller

$138K
High matchStable demand

Airport Operations Manager

$95K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Airport Certified Employee (ACE) certificationFamiliarity with FAA Part 139 regulations

Emergency Management Director

$85K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) certificationKnowledge of disaster preparedness and response protocols

Logistics Manager

$80K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

APICS Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD)Supply chain management principles

Project Manager

$90K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certificationAgile methodologies

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 7220 training built — and where they transfer.

Rapid Prioritization

As an Air Traffic Control Officer, you constantly make split-second decisions, prioritizing aircraft movements and safety concerns in a dynamic, high-pressure environment.

This translates directly into your ability to quickly assess situations, identify critical issues, and allocate resources effectively in time-sensitive scenarios.

Situational Awareness

You maintain a comprehensive understanding of the airspace, aircraft positions, weather conditions, and potential hazards to ensure safe and efficient air traffic flow.

This keen sense of awareness allows you to anticipate problems, proactively address challenges, and make informed decisions based on real-time data and environmental factors.

Team Synchronization

You coordinate and direct the activities of air traffic controllers, maintenance personnel, and other support staff to achieve seamless and synchronized operations within the air traffic control detachment.

Your ability to orchestrate diverse teams, delegate tasks effectively, and maintain clear communication channels ensures that everyone works together harmoniously towards a common goal.

Procedural Compliance

Air Traffic Control relies on strict adherence to regulations and procedures to guarantee safety and efficiency.

Your meticulous approach ensures accuracy, reduces errors, and promotes a culture of quality and reliability.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You've been orchestrating complex movements of aircraft in a highly regulated environment. As a Logistics Manager, you'll apply these skills to optimize supply chains, coordinate transportation, and ensure timely delivery of goods. Your ability to prioritize, maintain situational awareness, and comply with procedures will be invaluable.

Emergency Management Director

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been managing high-pressure situations and coordinating responses to potential hazards. As an Emergency Management Director, you'll leverage your expertise to develop and implement emergency response plans, coordinate resources during crises, and ensure the safety of the public. Your rapid prioritization and situational awareness skills will be essential.

Project Manager

SOC 11-9021.00

You've been directing complex projects and managing diverse teams. As a Project Manager, you'll use your skills to define project scope, allocate resources, manage timelines, and ensure successful project completion. Your team synchronization and procedural compliance abilities will be key to your success.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Air Traffic Control Officer Course, Naval Air Station Pensacola

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Airspace Management
  • Radar Operations
  • Meteorology
  • Air Traffic Control Procedures
  • Aviation Regulations
  • Emergency Procedures
  • ATC Equipment Maintenance

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist70% covered

Differences in FAA regulations, procedures, and equipment compared to military ATC systems. Must pass FAA exams and practical evaluations.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)Airport Certified Employee (ACE) - Operations

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/TPN-31 Air Traffic Navigation, Integration, and Coordination System (ATNAVICS)Mobile Air Traffic Control Tower
AN/MPN-14K Airport Surveillance RadarCivilian Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR)
Digital Airport Surveillance Radar (DASR)Modernized Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR)
Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen)FAA NextGen program
Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS)Instrument Landing System (ILS) or Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS)
Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS)Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR)

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