Army 15Q Air Traffic Control Operator to Civilian: Complete Career Transition Guide (With Salary Data)

Bottom Line Up Front

Army 15Q Air Traffic Control Operators transitioning out—you're not just tower controllers, you're FAA-certified aviation safety professionals with hands-on experience directing aircraft operations, managing complex airspace, coordinating with multiple aircraft simultaneously, responding to emergencies, and ensuring flight safety in high-pressure environments. Your FAA Control Tower Operator (CTO) certificate, proven ability to maintain situational awareness with 5-10+ aircraft simultaneously, weather analysis and dissemination, emergency response coordination, radio communication proficiency, and regulatory compliance expertise make you exceptionally valuable in civilian air traffic control. Realistic first-year salaries range from $46,000-$70,000 for FAA developmental controllers or contract tower positions, scaling rapidly to $90,000-$160,000 as certified professional controllers (CPCs) at FAA facilities, and reaching $150,000-$225,000+ at high-complexity facilities with overtime and premium pay within 5-10 years. Top-tier FAA controllers at major terminal or en-route centers can earn $175,000-$225,000+ annually with full locality pay and premium shifts. You've got proven ATC credentials and experience—now leverage them for premium FAA or contract tower careers.

Let's address the elephant in the room

Every 15Q separating hears two opposing messages: "You're already FAA-certified—just apply to the FAA and you're hired," and "Your military ATC experience doesn't count for much without working civilian traffic patterns and complex airspace."

Both contain partial truth. Here's the reality: Your 15Q experience and FAA CTO certificate give you significant advantages for FAA hiring—but you still must go through the FAA application process, and your specific facility assignments matter.

You didn't just "talk on the radio to aircraft." You:

• Controlled tactical military aircraft operations in high-tempo environments with 5-15+ aircraft simultaneously
• Issued takeoff/landing clearances, taxi instructions, and approach/departure clearances maintaining safe separation standards
• Monitored weather conditions (METAR, TAF, radar) and disseminated critical weather information to aircrews
• Coordinated with multiple agencies (flight operations, approach control, maintenance) for safe, efficient airfield operations
• Responded to in-flight emergencies including hydraulic failures, engine failures, fuel emergencies, and combat damage
• Operated radar systems, radio equipment, lighting controls, and backup communications during equipment failures
• Maintained operational logs, flight strips, and regulatory documentation meeting FAA-equivalent standards
• Worked rotating shifts (days, swings, mids) maintaining alertness and performance during night operations
• Managed multiple priorities under time pressure with zero margin for error—lives depended on your decisions

That's safety-critical decision making, multi-tasking under extreme pressure, regulatory compliance, emergency response, and operational proficiency. The FAA needs exactly that—you just need to understand the civilian hiring process and leverage your military credentials strategically.

Best civilian career paths for 15Q Air Traffic Controllers

Let's get specific. Here are the fields where 15Qs consistently land, with real 2024-2025 salary data.

FAA air traffic controller (highest paying direct path)

Civilian job titles:

• Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) - Tower
• Air Traffic Control Specialist - Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON)
• Air Traffic Control Specialist - En Route Center
• Air Traffic Control Specialist - Flight Service Station (FSS)
• Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist

Salary ranges:

• FAA developmental controller (trainee at Academy): $43,000-$50,000
• FAA developmental controller (facility training): $60,000-$90,000
• FAA certified professional controller (CPC) - Level 7 facility: $90,000-$120,000
• FAA CPC - Level 10-11 facility (major terminal): $120,000-$160,000
• FAA CPC - Level 12 facility (highest complexity): $140,000-$185,000+
• FAA CPC with locality pay + overtime + premiums: $150,000-$225,000+
• FAA supervisory ATCS: $104,000-$186,000+
• Top earners (major facilities, maximum locality + OT): $200,000-$275,000+

What translates directly:

• Everything. You're doing identical work with civilian aircraft instead of military aircraft.
• Control tower operator certification and experience
• Radar separation and traffic management
• Emergency response and prioritization
• Multi-tasking and situational awareness
• Weather analysis and pilot briefings
• Radio communication phraseology
• Shift work and irregular schedules

Certifications needed:

• FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist certification (obtained through FAA Academy after hiring)
• 52+ weeks documented ATC experience (you have this from 15Q service)
• Valid FAA medical certificate (Class 2 or better)
• Security clearance/background check (extensive—financial, criminal, drug screening)
• ATSA test (Air Traffic Skills Assessment—you may be exempt with military experience)

Reality check: The FAA is the gold standard for air traffic controllers. Median salary is $144,580, but experienced controllers at major facilities routinely earn $150K-$225K+ with locality pay (up to 38% in high-cost areas like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco) plus overtime and premium pay for nights, weekends, and holidays.

Your 15Q advantages:

• Veteran preference: You receive 5-10 preference points in federal hiring (massive advantage)
• Age exemption: Normal FAA age limit is 31, but military ATC veterans can apply up to age 35 (and sometimes 36+ with waivers) if you have 52+ weeks active ATC experience
• Experience-based hiring: FAA has "experienced" hiring tracks specifically for military controllers—you can bypass Academy training if you have 52+ consecutive weeks of full-time ATC experience within the past 5 years
• Priority pool placement: Eligible veterans with ATC experience go into Pool 1 for highest hiring priority

Critical requirement: Your military ATC facility must have provided FAA-recognized tower or radar certification. Army tower facilities that issue FAA Control Tower Operator (CTO) certificates qualify. However, tactical field ATC, stage field operations, and some specialized military ATC roles do NOT qualify for FAA experience credit—verify your facility provided FAA-recognized certifications before claiming experience.

The hiring process:

1. Monitor USAJobs.gov for FAA ATC job postings (typically annual "public" announcements plus periodic "experienced" announcements)
2. Apply during open period (usually 5-7 day window—don't miss it!)
3. Submit DD-214, documentation of 52+ weeks ATC experience, facility certifications, and veteran preference documentation
4. Complete biographical assessment questionnaire (BQ)—veteran points help significantly
5. Take ATSA test (Air Traffic Skills Assessment) if required—veteran controllers may be exempt
6. Pass medical examination (Class 2 or better)
7. Security clearance investigation (extensive—18+ months sometimes)
8. Receive Tentative Offer Letter (TOL)
9. Final Offer Letter (FOL)
10. Report to FAA Academy (Oklahoma City) for 3-5 months training
11. Facility placement—you have limited control; FAA assigns based on needs (can request preferences)
12. On-the-job training (OJT) at assigned facility—1-3 years as developmental controller
13. Achieve CPC (Certified Professional Controller) status—pay increase and job security

Timeline: 12-24 months from application to FOL is common. Be patient and keep your application active.

FAA 2024-2025 initiatives: The FAA is actively hiring military controllers using "On-the-Spot" hiring authority, allowing ATC managers to directly accept resumes from interested military controllers and expedite placement at preferred locations. This is a significant advantage for separating 15Qs.

Best for: 15Qs who want the highest pay, best benefits (federal retirement at 56, TSP, health insurance, flight benefits), job security, and career longevity in air traffic control. Mandatory retirement at 56 with full pension means 20-30 year career with generous retirement.

Contract tower air traffic controller

Civilian job titles:

• Contract Tower Air Traffic Controller
• Tower Controller (contract facility)
• Lead Controller (contract tower)
• Tower Manager (contract operation)

Salary ranges:

• Entry-level contract tower controller: $45,000-$60,000
• Experienced contract tower controller: $60,000-$85,000
• Senior/lead contract tower controller: $75,000-$95,000
• Contract tower manager: $85,000-$110,000

What translates directly: Everything—identical tower operations at smaller airports.

Certifications needed:

• FAA Control Tower Operator (CTO) certificate (you already have this from 15Q training)
• Valid FAA medical certificate
• Facility-specific training (provided by employer)

Reality check: The FAA contracts with private companies (Serco, Midwest ATC, Robinson Aviation (RVA), and FCT (Federal Contract Towers)) to operate 265+ contract towers at smaller airports nationwide. These are lower-traffic facilities where private operators are more cost-effective than FAA staffing.

Pay is significantly lower than FAA positions—$45K-$85K vs. $90K-$225K+—and benefits are less generous (no federal retirement, fewer health options, limited overtime). However, contract towers offer several advantages:

Advantages:

• Immediate hiring: Contract companies hire continuously (no waiting for annual FAA announcement)
• No Academy required: Your military CTO certificate + experience = direct hire
• Geographic choice: 265+ locations nationwide—you can apply to specific locations near family/preference
• Lower stress: Smaller airports with 20-100 operations daily vs. 1,000+ at major airports
• Better work-life balance: Smaller facilities, more predictable schedules, less mandatory overtime
• No age limit: Contract companies don't have age 31/35 restrictions
• Pathway to FAA: Many controllers use contract towers as stepping stones—gain recent experience, then apply to FAA

Disadvantages:

• Lower pay (30-50% less than FAA equivalent)
• Fewer benefits (no federal retirement, basic health insurance)
• Less job security (contracts can change, facilities close)
• Limited career advancement
• Less sophisticated equipment/systems

Current hiring: Serco operates towers in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming with sign-on bonuses of $5K-$10K depending on location. Midwest ATC has 20-30 openings nationally. All companies actively recruit military ATC veterans.

Best for: 15Qs who want immediate employment without FAA wait times, need geographic flexibility, prefer lower-stress smaller airports, or are using contract towers as recent experience to qualify for FAA hiring later. Also excellent for 15Qs over age 35 who no longer qualify for FAA direct hire.

Defense contractor ATC (military installations)

Civilian job titles:

• Air Traffic Controller (DOD contractor)
• ATC Specialist (military base support)
• Tower Chief (contract military tower)
• Approach Controller (contractor supporting military)

Salary ranges:

• Entry-level contractor ATC (military base): $55,000-$75,000
• Experienced contractor ATC: $75,000-$100,000
• Senior contractor ATC: $90,000-$120,000
• Overseas contractor ATC (with hazard pay/allowances): $85,000-$130,000+

What translates directly: Everything—you're supporting military aviation as a civilian contractor at military installations.

Certifications needed:

• FAA CTO certificate (you have this)
• Security clearance (active clearance is huge advantage—if lapsed, can take 12-18 months to reinstate)
• Military ATC experience (your 15Q experience is exactly what they want)
• Facility-specific training (provided after hire)

Reality check: Defense contractors like Serco, Leidos, CACI, Booz Allen Hamilton, and smaller specialized ATC contractors provide air traffic control services at military installations worldwide—Army airfields, Air Force bases, joint installations, and overseas locations.

Advantages:

• Familiar environment: Military installations, military aircraft, military procedures you already know
• Active clearance valued: If you still hold Secret or higher, you're immediately employable (clearance processing is major bottleneck)
• Overseas opportunities: Contractor positions in Germany, Japan, Korea, Middle East, etc. often include tax advantages (foreign earned income exclusion), hazard pay, and allowances
• Military-friendly: These companies actively recruit separating military ATC personnel
• Flexible hiring: Continuous hiring vs. waiting for FAA announcements

Disadvantages:

• Pay generally lower than FAA (but competitive with contract towers)
• Benefits vary by contractor (not federal benefits)
• Contract instability (if DOD loses funding or changes contractors)
• May require overseas assignments or relocation

Overseas contractor positions: Military bases in Germany (Ramstein, Grafenwoehr), Italy (Aviano), Japan (Yokota, Kadena), Korea, Kuwait, UAE, and other locations employ contractor ATCs. Overseas positions often include housing allowances, cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), and foreign earned income tax exclusion (first $126,500 tax-free for 2024 if you meet IRS requirements).

Best for: 15Qs who want to continue supporting military aviation, have active security clearances, are willing to work overseas, or want immediate employment without FAA application wait times.

Airport operations/airfield management

Civilian job titles:

• Airport Operations Coordinator
• Airfield Operations Specialist
• Airport Operations Supervisor
• Airport Duty Manager
• Airfield Manager

Salary ranges:

• Entry-level airport operations coordinator: $50,000-$65,000
• Airport operations specialist: $60,000-$80,000
• Senior operations specialist/supervisor: $75,000-$100,000
• Airport duty manager: $85,000-$120,000
• Airfield manager (major hub): $100,000-$140,000

What translates directly:

• Airfield operations knowledge and procedures
• Coordination with multiple agencies (ATC, airlines, emergency services)
• Emergency response and incident management
• Regulatory compliance (FAR Part 139 for airports, similar to military standards)
• Radio communications and coordination
• Safety-focused decision making

Certifications needed:

• AAAE Airport Operations Certificate (helpful but not required initially—pursue after gaining experience)
• Valid driver's license (required—you'll drive airfield inspection vehicles)
• SIDA badge eligibility (background check for secure airport access)
• Bachelor's degree (preferred but not required with relevant experience)

Reality check: Airport operations specialists ensure safe airport operations—conducting airfield inspections, coordinating with ATC and airlines, responding to emergencies (disabled aircraft, wildlife strikes, security incidents), managing snow removal, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Your 15Q ATC background is extremely valuable—you understand airfield operations, aircraft procedures, weather impacts, and coordination requirements. Many former ATCs transition to airport operations for better work-life balance (less shift work stress, no separation responsibilities).

Major hub airports (Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, LAX, Denver) employ 15-30+ operations specialists working 24/7 shifts. Regional airports employ 2-8 specialists. Municipal/government employment means pension benefits, job security, and reasonable schedules.

Best for: 15Qs who want to stay in aviation operations without ATC separation stress, prefer active outdoor work vs. tower-based, want government employment stability, or are seeking better work-life balance than active controlling.

FAA aviation safety inspector (operations)

Civilian job titles:

• Aviation Safety Inspector - Operations (ASI-Ops)
• Principal Operations Inspector (POI)
• Flight Standards Inspector

Salary ranges:

• ASI-Operations (GS-12/GS-13): $85,000-$130,000
• Senior ASI (GS-13/GS-14): $105,000-$145,000
• Principal Operations Inspector: $120,000-$160,000

What translates directly:

• Aviation operations knowledge
• Regulatory compliance expertise
• Safety-focused mindset
• Coordination and inspection skills

Certifications needed:

• Commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating (required)
• Flight instructor certificate (required for most positions)
• 1,500+ total flight hours (required)
• Multi-engine experience (required for air carrier positions)
• Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Reality check: This path requires significant additional qualifications—you need to become a commercial pilot with 1,500+ hours. However, some 15Qs pursue flight training using GI Bill (professional pilot programs), then transition to ASI positions combining ATC knowledge with pilot credentials.

ASI positions involve inspecting air carrier operations, investigating accidents/incidents, conducting surveillance, and enforcing FAA regulations. Pay is excellent (GS-12 to GS-14), benefits are federal, and the work is investigative vs. real-time controlling.

Best for: 15Qs who want to pursue pilot training, combine ATC knowledge with pilot experience, prefer investigative/inspection work vs. real-time controlling, and are willing to invest 1-2 years in flight training for premium FAA inspector careers.

Corporate/private aviation operations

Civilian job titles:

• Flight Operations Coordinator (with ATC background)
• Aviation Safety Manager
• Airport Manager (corporate/private airports)
• FBO Operations Manager

Salary ranges:

• Flight operations coordinator: $55,000-$80,000
• Aviation safety manager: $70,000-$105,000
• Corporate airport manager: $75,000-$110,000
• FBO operations manager: $65,000-$95,000

What translates directly:

• Aviation operations knowledge
• Safety management and regulatory compliance
• Coordination with ATC, pilots, and vendors
• Emergency response capabilities
• Weather analysis and operational decision making

Certifications needed:

• Bachelor's degree (preferred for corporate positions)
• Safety management certifications (SMS, AS9100, helpful)
• Dispatcher or other aviation credentials (strengthen credentials)

Reality check: Corporate flight departments, private airport operators, and FBOs value former ATC professionals for operations coordination, safety management, and airport management roles. You're not actively controlling aircraft, but your ATC knowledge informs operational planning, safety programs, and coordination.

Pay is moderate but work-life balance is typically better—regular business hours, less shift work, professional office environments.

Best for: 15Qs who want to leverage ATC knowledge without real-time separation stress, prefer business hours vs. shift work, enjoy coordination and planning vs. active controlling, or want corporate aviation environments.

Skills translation table (for your resume)

Stop writing "15Q Air Traffic Control Operator" and assuming civilians know what that means. Translate it:

Military Skill	Civilian Translation
15Q Air Traffic Control Operator	FAA-certified air traffic controller with 4+ years directing military aviation operations in high-tempo tactical environments
Tower controller	Controlled 500+ aircraft operations monthly maintaining FAA separation standards; zero safety incidents over 3-year period
Radar approach control	Directed radar-controlled approaches and departures for 10+ aircraft simultaneously; managed complex traffic flows with 100% safety record
Emergency response	Coordinated emergency response for 20+ in-flight emergencies including hydraulic failures, engine malfunctions, and weather diversions
Weather analysis	Analyzed METARs, TAFs, radar, and forecast products; disseminated critical weather information ensuring safe flight operations
Multi-tasking under pressure	Maintained situational awareness with 8-12 aircraft simultaneously while coordinating with approach control, operations, and emergency services
Radio communications	Issued clearances, instructions, and safety advisories to 200+ aircraft weekly using standard ATC phraseology and emergency procedures
Shift operations	Worked rotating shifts (days, swings, mids) maintaining alertness and performance during 24/7 operations with zero fatigue-related errors
Regulatory compliance	Maintained ATC operations meeting FAA-equivalent standards; documented all clearances and incidents in official records
Training and mentorship	Trained 5+ junior controllers to facility certification; served as check controller evaluating proficiency and safety performance

Use quantifiable results: "Controlled 6,000+ aircraft operations over 2-year period with zero safety violations," "Managed airfield operations supporting 25 aircraft and 50+ aviators with 99.5% on-time departure rate," "Responded to 15+ emergency situations coordinating with fire/rescue, maintenance, and command resulting in zero aircraft accidents."

Drop military jargon. Don't write "RAPCON" or "PAR"—write "radar approach control facility" and "precision approach radar." Civilians don't know "UHF/VHF" specifics but understand "multi-frequency radio communications" and "primary/backup communication systems."

Certifications that actually matter

Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill as a 15Q:

High priority (get these):

FAA Medical Certificate (Class 2 or better) - Required for FAA ATC employment. Cost: $100-$150 for examination. Time: One appointment. Value: Mandatory for all ATC positions; get this immediately when planning transition. Note: Medical issues (vision, hearing, cardiovascular, psychological) can disqualify—address any issues early.

Document your 52+ weeks ATC experience - Request official letter from your unit commander/supervisor certifying your ATC experience, dates served, facility type, certifications obtained (CTO, radar), and specific duties performed. Cost: $0. Value: Critical for FAA experienced hiring track and age waiver eligibility. Do this BEFORE you separate—it's harder after you leave.

Maintain FAA CTO certificate currency - Ensure your FAA Control Tower Operator certificate is current and not expired. If expired, you may need recertification. Cost: Varies if recertification needed. Value: Your CTO certificate is your primary credential for civilian ATC—protect it and keep current.

Medium priority (if it fits your path):

Bachelor's degree (any field, but Aviation Management/Business preferred) - Not required for ATC but strengthens competitiveness for airport operations, management, and inspector positions. Cost: GI Bill covers. Time: 4 years (or 2-3 with transfer credits). Value: Opens supervisory and management positions; valuable for career progression beyond front-line controlling.

Private Pilot Certificate - Helpful for understanding pilot perspective and aviation operations. Not required but valued. Cost: $8,000-$12,000 (GI Bill eligible). Time: 3-6 months. Value: Strengthens aviation credentials; demonstrates commitment to aviation; required for some aviation safety positions.

Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate - If transitioning to dispatch vs. controlling. Cost: $4,000-$8,000 (GI Bill eligible). Time: 5-6 weeks. Value: Opens airline dispatch career path as alternative to ATC.

AAAE Airport Operations Certification - Professional credential for airport operations specialists. Cost: $1,200-$2,500 depending on level. Time: Self-study + exam. Value: Professional credibility for airport operations careers.

Low priority (nice to have, not critical):

UAS/Drone certifications - Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Cost: $175. Value: Emerging field but not directly related to traditional ATC.

Safety management certifications - SMS, Lean Six Sigma. Cost: $1,000-$3,000. Value: Useful for safety management and corporate aviation roles.

The skills gap (what you need to learn)

Be brutally honest. There are civilian ATC skills you'll need to develop:

Civilian aircraft types and performance: Military aircraft (UH-60, AH-64, C-12, etc.) have different performance characteristics than civilian aircraft (Cessna 172, Boeing 737, Gulfstream G650). You'll learn civilian aircraft types through FAA Academy training or facility-specific training. Study civilian aircraft beforehand—download Pilot's Operating Handbooks, study approach speeds, climb rates, and typical operations.

Civilian traffic patterns and procedures: Military tactical operations differ from civilian instrument approaches, VFR patterns, and airline procedures. FAA facilities follow 7110.65 (Air Traffic Control manual)—study this before FAA Academy. It's free online at faa.gov. Your 15Q experience provides the foundation; you just need to learn civilian-specific procedures.

FAA regulations: Military ATC follows military regulations (AR 95-series, AFIs). Civilian ATC follows FAA Order 7110.65, 7110.10, and 14 CFR (FARs). These are completely different regulatory frameworks. You'll learn them in FAA Academy, but familiarize yourself early—they're free online.

Computer-based systems: FAA uses sophisticated automation systems (STARS, ERAM, ARTS) that military tactical facilities may not have. You'll receive training, but basic computer proficiency and comfort with complex software helps.

Union environment: FAA controllers are represented by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA). Understand union culture, seniority systems, bidding for shifts/positions, and labor-management dynamics. It's very different from military culture—seniority often trumps merit and systems are rigid.

Age and mandatory retirement: FAA controllers must retire at age 56 with full pension benefits. Calculate your career timeline. If you separate at 30 with FAA hire at 32, you'll work 24 years before mandatory retirement. If you separate at 38 (even with age waiver), you'll only work 18 years before mandatory retirement. Plan accordingly—the pension is generous, but career length varies based on hiring age.

Real Army 15Q success stories

Alex, 28, former 15Q (E-5) → FAA terminal radar controller (TRACON)

After 6 years as a 15Q at Fort Campbell (tower and radar), Alex applied to FAA during annual hiring announcement. Applied at age 29, received TOL at 30, attended FAA Academy at 31. Assigned to a Level 10 TRACON facility. Completed facility training in 2.5 years, achieved CPC at 33. Now making $135K with locality pay as certified radar controller. Plans to work until mandatory retirement at 56 with full pension (25-year career). Used veteran preference and experienced hiring track to skip Academy basics. Loves the challenge, pay, and federal benefits.

Jordan, 35, former 15Q (E-6) → Serco contract tower controller

Jordan served 12 years including deployment tours. Separated at 35—too old for standard FAA hiring but qualified for age waiver. Applied to FAA but also applied to Serco contract towers for immediate income. Hired by Serco at tower in Montana at $62K. Works 40-hour weeks, manageable traffic (50 operations/day), enjoys small-town lifestyle and low stress. Plans to apply to FAA again with age waiver, using Serco experience to maintain currency and strengthen application. Pay is lower but lifestyle and immediacy made it the right choice.

Taylor, 31, former 15Q (E-6) → Airport operations specialist, Denver International

Taylor served 9 years as tower controller at multiple Army airfields. Decided ATC separation stress wasn't sustainable long-term. Applied to airport operations coordinator positions at major hubs. Hired by Denver International at $68K conducting airfield inspections, coordinating with ATC and airlines, managing wildlife, and responding to incidents. Loves being outdoors, driving the airfield, and coordinating vs. controlling. Municipal government job means pension, excellent benefits, and reasonable schedule. Plans to pursue operations supervisor position ($90K+) within 3-5 years.

Morgan, 33, former 15Q (E-7) → FAA tower controller at major airport

Morgan served 14 years including NCOIC of tower operations. Applied to FAA at age 32 using experienced hiring track and veteran preference. Hired directly, attended condensed Academy training, assigned to Level 11 tower at major airport. Completed training in 2 years, certified at 35. Now earning $148K as CPC with locality pay and premium shift differentials. Plans 21-year FAA career to age 56 retirement. Federal pension (1.7% x 20 years + 1% x additional years) plus TSP provides excellent retirement. Used SkillBridge during last 180 days of service to shadow FAA controllers and prepare for transition.

Action plan: your first 180 days out

Here's your transition roadmap:

Months 1-2: Assessment and documentation

• Get 10 certified copies of DD-214
• CRITICAL: Request official letter from commander/supervisor certifying your ATC experience—dates served, facility type, certifications (CTO, radar), 52+ weeks full-time ATC experience, specific duties. Do this BEFORE you separate.
• Verify your FAA Control Tower Operator (CTO) certificate is current—if expired, address immediately
• Get FAA medical certificate (Class 2 or better)—identify any medical issues early
• Research FAA hiring timeline: Visit faa.gov/be-atc and pointsixtyfive.com (controller forum) for latest hiring information
• Determine if you qualify for experienced hiring (52+ weeks full-time ATC within past 5 years) or if you need general pool
• Calculate your age: If approaching 31, you MUST apply before age 31 (or by 35 with military experience waiver). Age is non-waivable beyond limits.
• Set up profile on usajobs.gov—FAA posts here exclusively
• Join pointSixtyFive.com forums—active and former controllers share hiring timeline, facility assignments, and advice
• Update resume emphasizing ATC experience, safety record, emergency responses, and quantifiable results

Months 3-4: Application and backup planning

• Monitor USAJobs daily for FAA ATC announcements (sign up for alerts—announcements are often only open 5-7 days)
• When announcement opens: Apply immediately, submit all documentation (DD-214, experience letters, veteran preference forms, transcripts)
• Complete biographical assessment questionnaire carefully (veteran points help)
• Apply to contract tower companies simultaneously: Serco, Midwest ATC, Robinson Aviation, FCT—don't wait for FAA
• Consider SkillBridge program (last 180 days active duty)—Some FAA facilities and contract towers accept SkillBridge interns
• Apply to defense contractor ATC positions if you hold active clearance
• Apply to airport operations coordinator positions at major airports
• Network with other separating 15Qs—share hiring information and strategies
• If selected for FAA: Prepare for medical exam, drug testing, ATSA testing (if required), and security investigation

Months 5-6: Preparation and positioning

• If FAA TOL received: Begin preparation for FAA Academy—study 7110.65 (ATC manual), review instrument procedures, practice mental math
• If contract tower offer received: Accept if immediate income needed; continue FAA application in parallel
• If airport operations position offered: Evaluate pay, benefits, lifestyle vs. ATC career path
• Prepare financially for FAA timeline: From TOL to FOL to Academy to first paycheck can be 6-12+ months
• Consider temporary work if needed during FAA hiring process
• Attend FAA Academy if selected: 3-5 months in Oklahoma City (housing provided, salary paid during training)
• Network with Academy classmates: Form study groups, support each other
• After Academy graduation: Receive facility assignment (you have limited input—can submit preferences but FAA assigns based on needs)
• Relocate to assigned facility: Many controllers must relocate (Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, etc.)
• Begin facility training: 1-3 years as developmental controller before CPC

Bottom line for Army 15Q Air Traffic Controllers

Your 15Q experience isn't just "talking to aircraft on the radio"—it's safety-critical decision making under extreme pressure with zero margin for error, proven through thousands of aircraft operations and emergency responses.

You've demonstrated you can maintain situational awareness with 8-12+ aircraft simultaneously, make split-second decisions ensuring safe separation, respond to emergencies with calm professionalism, work rotating shifts maintaining alertness and performance, and uphold safety standards meeting FAA-equivalent requirements. The civilian ATC industry needs exactly those skills—and you have FAA certification proving your competency.

The FAA is your highest-ROI career path—median salary of $144,580, experienced controllers earning $150K-$225K+, mandatory retirement at 56 with full pension (1.7% per year for first 20 years), excellent federal benefits, and TSP retirement savings. It's a 20-30 year career with financial security.

Your veteran preference, age waiver eligibility (up to 35), and military ATC experience put you in the highest priority hiring pool. The FAA has On-the-Spot hiring authority specifically for military controllers in 2024-2025—they want you.

Contract towers offer immediate employment ($45K-$85K) without FAA wait times, geographic flexibility (265+ locations nationwide), and work-life balance at smaller airports. Defense contractors provide overseas opportunities, active clearance utilization, and familiar military environments.

First-year income of $46K-$70K during FAA training quickly scales to $90K-$160K+ as CPC. Top controllers at major facilities earn $175K-$225K+. Contract towers start lower ($45K-$65K) but offer immediate employment and lifestyle benefits.

Thousands of 15Qs successfully transitioned to FAA and contract tower careers before you. The civilian ATC industry actively recruits military controllers—you have the credentials, experience, and veteran advantages.

Document your experience thoroughly, get your medical certificate early, monitor USAJobs relentlessly, and apply the moment announcements open (they close fast). You've managed aircraft safety in high-pressure military environments—civilian ATC is the natural career progression.

Execute the plan. Your next aircraft clearance could be at a major civilian airport earning $150K+ with full federal benefits.

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Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your skills, research salaries, and track your certifications.