Many countries hire air traffic controllers specifically to support naval operations, with different enlistment requirements and training procedures. To become a Navy air traffic controller in the United States, you must first meet the eligibility requirements and complete boot camp. Then, before you can work in a naval facility or on a carrier ship, expect to undergo specialized training in your field.
Talking to a recruiter is the first step in joining any branch of the military. A recruiter from the United States Navy will assess a candidate’s eligibility and go over the enlistment process with them. He’ll also answer any questions you have about air traffic controller training, benefits, and working conditions. Recruits should think about different enlistment options, such as the delayed entry program (DEP), which allows immediate enlistment but defers active duty for a period of time. Navy recruits can also enroll in the undergraduate program, which allows them to join the Navy while continuing their education.
Air traffic controller recruits must meet stringent enlistment requirements in this branch of the military. To be considered for this position, you must have normal hearing, color perception, and 20/20 vision. You must also be a U.S. citizen with no history of drug abuse and be willing to serve for at least 60 months. To become a Navy air traffic controller, you must also pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) with a score of at least 220.
The Navy recruit will go through the military entrance processing station after submitting his application and supporting documentation, such as medical records (MEPS). Before taking the oath of enlistment, he will have a physical examination and a pre-enlistment interview. After that, he’ll have to complete seven to nine weeks of Navy boot camp. Physical exercises, academic classes, and basic weaponry instruction are all part of this training.
After boot camp, recruits who want to be a Navy air traffic controller must attend “A” school. Recruits are taught specialized skills in their chosen career fields at “A” school, which lasts about 110 days. Recruits for air traffic control will learn how to read radar screens, plot aircraft positions, and operate computer systems. They will learn how to direct aircraft using the equipment and the fundamentals of flight instructions.
You will spend the next one to two years in on-the-job training after graduating from “A” school and becoming a Navy air traffic controller. Navy recruits will gain new skills, receive personalized training, and attend lectures. Successful trainees will receive certification in this field at the end of the process.