Air Traffic Control (ATC) Operator
Job Overview
As an Air Traffic Control (ATC) Operator, you'll track aircraft such as jets and helicopters to ensure mission success while maintaining critical safe flight operations. You’ll coordinate aircraft movement for takeoff and landing as well as track aircraft in flight in both tactical and non-tactical environments. You’ll have to follow specific procedures, rules, and regulations. You’ll control airborne and ground traffic for safety, process flight plan data, and you will help set up tactical air traffic control facilities on the front lines, ensuring the safety of every pilot and passenger.
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Official Qualification Requirements
Requirements being verified against the official service publication. We do not display unofficial or estimated scores — contact a recruiter for the current minimum.
Last verified: 2026-08-14
Requirements are subject to change by the Department of Defense and each service. Always confirm the current standard with an official recruiter before making a decision.
May be required. The branch's published enlistment rules allow green card holders, but many assignments in this field need a security clearance, and only U.S. citizens are eligible for one (32 CFR 117.10, SEAD-4). Confirm the specific assignment with a recruiter. Verified August 2026.