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7398 Career Guide

Navy

7398: Air Traffic Control Technician

Career transition guide for Navy Air Traffic Control Technician (7398)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 7398 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Air Traffic Controller

$138K
High matchStable demand

Avionics Technician

$75K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA certificationSpecific avionics systems training

Electronics Technician

$68K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced electronics troubleshootingSpecific industry certifications

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

$62K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Networking certificationsSpecific telecom equipment training

Technical Trainer (Aviation/Electronics)

$70K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional designCurriculum developmentPublic speaking

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 7398 training built — and where they transfer.

Rapid Prioritization

Air Traffic Control Technicians must swiftly assess and prioritize aircraft movements based on proximity, altitude, and flight plans to maintain safe and efficient air traffic flow.

This ability to quickly assess and prioritize under pressure translates to effectively managing competing deadlines and urgent tasks in a fast-paced civilian environment.

Situational Awareness

These technicians maintain a comprehensive understanding of the airspace, weather conditions, aircraft positions, and potential hazards to ensure safety and prevent accidents.

Your heightened awareness of your surroundings and the ability to anticipate potential problems makes you highly valuable in roles requiring proactive risk management and problem-solving.

Procedural Compliance

Adherence to strict regulations and protocols is paramount to ensure the safety and efficiency of air traffic operations. Technicians must flawlessly execute procedures to minimize errors and maintain order.

Your ingrained commitment to following established protocols and regulations makes you an ideal candidate for roles requiring precision, accuracy, and adherence to standards.

Team Synchronization

Air Traffic Control Technicians coordinate seamlessly with air traffic controllers, pilots, and other personnel to maintain a safe and efficient air traffic system. Clear communication and collaboration are essential for success.

Your ability to effectively collaborate and communicate within a team environment makes you well-suited for roles that require seamless coordination and shared responsibility.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 43-3071.00

You've been trained to manage complex systems and prioritize movements under pressure, skills that translate directly into coordinating the flow of goods, resources, or people in logistics.

Emergency Dispatcher

SOC 43-5031.00

You're adept at maintaining situational awareness and rapidly prioritizing responses in high-stress environments, crucial skills for dispatching emergency services and coordinating aid.

Project Scheduler

SOC 15-1299.09

Your expertise in managing complex sequences and adhering to strict timelines aligns perfectly with the demands of project scheduling. You've already demonstrated the capacity to optimize processes.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Air Traffic Control (ATC) School, Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL

960 training hours24 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in aviation management or related fields

Topics Covered

  • Airspace Management
  • Radar Systems Operation and Maintenance
  • Meteorology
  • Navigation Systems
  • Communication Procedures
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Flight Regulations and Procedures
  • Air Traffic Control Simulation

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional Controller (CPC)60% covered

While military air traffic control experience provides a strong foundation, the CPC requires specific knowledge of FAA regulations, procedures, and equipment used in civilian air traffic control facilities. Study FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control.

Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)40% covered

The CAM certification focuses on aviation management principles, business operations, and leadership skills. Study the CAM exam guide topics on business management, human resources, and safety management systems.

Recommended Next Certifications

Air Traffic Control Specialist (FAA)Airport Operations Professional (AOP)Aviation Safety Professional (ASP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/SPN-43C Air Traffic Control RadarAirport Surveillance Radar (ASR)
AN/TPX-42A(V)5 Interrogator SetSecondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) / Mode S transponder interrogation systems
ITARS (Integrated Terminal Automated Radar System)Automated Terminal Information System (ATIS)
NAVSSI (Navigation Sensor System Interface)Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers and interfaces
CV-TSC Communication SystemVHF/UHF radio communication systems for air traffic control
METOC systemsCommercial weather monitoring and forecasting platforms (e.g., AccuWeather, The Weather Company)

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