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93C Career Guide

Army

93C: Air Traffic Controller

Career transition guide for Army Air Traffic Controller (93C)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 93C veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Air Traffic Controller

$138K
High matchStable demand

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) Specialist

$95K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Knowledge of UAS operationsUnderstanding of UTM systemsFAA Part 107 certification

Airport Operations Specialist

$78K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Airport safety and security proceduresKnowledge of FAA regulations (Part 139)Emergency response training

Aviation Safety Inspector

$92K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA certifications related to inspectionIn-depth knowledge of civil aviation regulationsStrong auditing and investigation skills

Emergency Management Specialist

$75K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Emergency management certifications (e.g., FEMA courses)Incident Command System (ICS) trainingDisaster planning and response experience

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 93C training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

Air Traffic Controllers must constantly monitor the positions of multiple aircraft, weather conditions, and potential hazards to ensure safe and efficient air traffic flow.

The ability to maintain a constant awareness of the surrounding environment and quickly identify potential risks or opportunities within a dynamic, multi-faceted situation. This involves collecting, interpreting, and synthesizing information from various sources to make informed decisions.

Rapid Prioritization

In emergency situations, controllers must quickly assess the severity of the situation and prioritize actions to prevent accidents. This could include rerouting aircraft, coordinating with emergency services, and providing critical information to pilots.

The ability to quickly assess the urgency and importance of tasks, especially under pressure, and to allocate resources and attention accordingly. This includes identifying critical paths, delegating effectively, and adapting to changing circumstances.

Procedural Compliance

Air Traffic Controllers adhere to strict FAA regulations and procedures to ensure safety and efficiency. They must know the manuals backwards and forwards.

Adherence to standardized processes and protocols is essential in ensuring consistent and safe operations. This involves understanding and applying regulations, documenting activities accurately, and maintaining a commitment to quality.

Team Synchronization

Air Traffic Controllers constantly communicate and coordinate with pilots, other controllers, and ground personnel to maintain a safe and efficient flow of air traffic. They must also be able to give OJT and conduct briefings.

The ability to work collaboratively with others to achieve a common goal. This involves effective communication, coordination of tasks, and a shared understanding of roles and responsibilities.

Degraded-Mode Operations

Air Traffic Controllers are trained to handle situations where equipment malfunctions or systems fail. They must adapt quickly to use backup systems and procedures to maintain safe operations.

The capability to maintain functionality and effectiveness even when primary systems or resources are unavailable. This involves troubleshooting, improvising solutions, and utilizing alternative methods to achieve desired outcomes.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 43-3071.00

You've been managing the complex flow of air traffic, coordinating with different stakeholders, and making quick decisions in a high-pressure environment. As a Logistics Coordinator, you'll apply these skills to manage the efficient movement of goods and materials, ensuring timely delivery and minimizing disruptions.

Emergency Dispatcher

SOC 43-5031.00

You're a master of rapid decision-making and clear communication under pressure. As an Emergency Dispatcher, you'll use these skills to receive emergency calls, assess the situation, and dispatch the appropriate emergency services with speed and accuracy. You already have the skills and temperament to be a life saver in this role.

Project Coordinator

SOC 13-1075.00

You excel at planning, organizing, and coordinating complex activities while maintaining constant awareness of all moving parts. As a Project Coordinator, you'll use these skills to manage project timelines, resources, and communications, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Air Traffic Control (ATC) School, Fort Sill, OK

600 training hours15 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Airspace Management
  • Radar Procedures
  • Meteorology
  • Flight Planning
  • ATC Regulations and Procedures
  • Voice Communications
  • Navigation Aids (NAVAIDs)
  • Emergency Procedures

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist70% covered

Differences in FAA regulations, specific equipment, and civilian airspace procedures.

Recommended Next Certifications

ICAO Aerodrome ControllerCertified Aviation Manager (CAM)Airport Certified Employee (ACE) - Airfield Operations

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/TPN-19 Landing Control CentralMobile Air Traffic Control Tower
AN/MPN-14K Airport Surveillance RadarCivilian Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR)
AN/TRN-26 Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN)VOR/DME (VHF Omnidirectional Range/Distance Measuring Equipment)
Digital Terminal Automation System (DTAS)Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control Systems (A-SMGCS)
Standard Army Aviation Command and Control System (SAACCS)Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) systems
Joint Airspace Management System (JAMS)Airspace Management System (e.g., FAA's NextGen)

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