This guide provides helpful information for those who wish to join the United States Navy as an Air Traffic Controller (AC) during the Fiscal Year 2025.
You’ll learn all the information that’ll help you determine if you qualify to become a Navy AC or if this job is even right for you.
If you’re ready, let’s go.
AC Job Description
Air Traffic Controllers (AC) are Navy enlisted Sailors who work in air traffic control towers, radar air traffic control facilities, fleet area control and surveillance facilities, and air operations offices on land and at sea.
They run radio communication systems and light signals, direct planes flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), and run surveillance radar, precision radar, data link approach systems, and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems.
They control air traffic by using surveillance radar, precision radar, data link approach systems, IFF equipment, and other tools. Respond to air traffic emergencies. Keep information and references about flight planning up-to-date, and help pilots make and process flight plans.
Navy Air Traffic Controllers do the same jobs as their civilian counterparts and are a key part of making sure that Naval airpower is used well all over the world, both in operational and training settings.
Navy ACs are to make sure that operations to and from airfields, aircraft carriers, and amphibious ships are done safely and effectively. They do this by giving flight instructions to pilots over the radio.
If you work as an Air Traffic Controller, the entire world will be your home. You could be put in charge of a sea or land squadron on almost any continent.
You will have the chance to work in a variety of places, from aircraft in the air to hangars, hangar decks to flight decks, and flight lines at air stations and on aircraft carriers.
ACs usually work in a control tower at an airbase or a radar room on ships or at Naval Air Stations, but they may also have the chance to work in the field on an expedition. They also switch shifts, which means they work nights, weekends, and some holidays.
The AC rating has high standards because the job is hard, but very rewarding. This is a program to sign up people for five years.
Specific Responsibilities
One of the hardest and most important things to do in the world is to run a flight deck on an aircraft carrier. It is not a simple job to make sure that every plane that leaves the flight deck completes its mission and comes back home safely.
Navy Air Traffic Controllers are very important because they keep things running smoothly above and below the flight deck every day. Among their duties are:
- Providing air traffic control services in air traffic control towers, radar air traffic control facilities, fleet area control and surveillance facilities, and air operations on land and at sea
- Using radio systems for communication and light signals
- Doing tactical work on an airplane as a flight engineer, loadmaster, or reel operator
- Taking care of tasks related to launching and landing Naval aircraft
- Using what is shown on radar screens to figure out where planes are
- Using tactical weapons, sensors, and communications equipment
- Working with the pilots to run and control the plane’s systems
- Control how planes and vehicles move on airfields and tell pilots what to do
Pay and Benefits
Salary
Military base pay, including that of AC, is determined by rank and years of service:
- E-3: $2,800.80 per month (with over 2 years of service).
- E-5: $3,763.80 per month (with over 4 years of service).
- E-7: $4,947.60 per month (with over 8 years of service).
- Specific pay increases with promotions and length of service. (Base pay details from the 2025 Active Duty Pay Chart.)
Benefits
- Healthcare: Active-duty personnel are eligible for free complete medical and dental treatment. Tricare programs are inexpensive for families to use.
- Housing Accomodation: Depending on location, rank, and family size, free on-base accommodation or a tax-free housing allowance (BAH) for off-base living are available.
- Food: Monthly Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) for food costs is known as the “food allowance.”
- Blended Retirement System (BRS): Conventional pensions are no longer available to active-duty personnel. Rather:
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Up to 5% in government matching and automatic contributions.
- Retirement Pay: After 20 years of service, you’re eligible for monthly payments according on the BRS formula, which combines TSP savings with a calculated pension.
- Education:
- Availability of tuition assistance programs that pay for all or part of college tuition.
- Support for higher education under the post-9/11 GI Bill.
- Navy College Program to support education while on service.
- Life Insurance: Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides coverage up to $500,000.
- Vacation: ten or more federal holidays plus thirty days of paid vacation each year.
- Extra Benefits:
- Exchanges and commissaries provide tax-free purchasing.
- Discounted travel via military resorts, access to fitness centers, and leisure amenities.
Typical Duty Stations
Navy ACs go all over the world. Sometimes they’re on land, sometimes on ships, and sometimes in remote airfields.
Shore Assignments
ACs work at Navy Air Stations (NAS) across the U.S., places like:
- NAS Pensacola, Florida: “Cradle of Naval Aviation.” This is where pilots and controllers start learning the ropes.
- NAS Jacksonville, Florida: Big East Coast aviation hub. Lots happening.
- NAS North Island, California: Tied to Pacific Fleet. Part of Naval Base Coronado.
- NAS Whidbey Island, Washington: Advanced training. Home to a bunch of squadrons.
- NAS Oceana, Virginia: The Navy’s main East Coast jet base.
Every base is different. They get ACs ready to handle all kinds of aircraft.
Sea Assignments
Out at sea, ACs work on:
- Aircraft Carriers (like the USS Nimitz or USS Gerald R. Ford): They’re floating airports. ACs juggle tight spaces and lots of planes.
- Amphibious Assault Ships (LHAs/LHDs): These work with the Marines, handling choppers and vertical takeoff jets.
Life on ships moves fast. You gotta stay sharp and work with the flight deck teams.
Overseas & Expeditionary Assignments
ACs also go international:
- NSF Diego Garcia (Indian Ocean): Middle of nowhere, but important.
- NAS Sigonella, Italy: Keeps things running in the Mediterranean.
- MCAS Iwakuni, Japan: Helps with U.S. Pacific operations.
Plus, they’re sent to expeditionary airfields—temporary setups in some pretty rugged spots.
Every assignment is a chance to sharpen skills, whether it’s steady work onshore or high-pressure action in the field.
AC Rank Structure
ACs progress through various ranks called “Rates” in the Navy, each with specific titles and responsibilities. Here’s a breakdown:
| Pay Grade | Rate | Title |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | SR | Seaman Recruit |
| E-2 | SA | Seaman Apprentice |
| E-3 | SN | Seaman |
| E-4 | AC3 | Air Traffic Controller Third Class Petty Officer |
| E-5 | AC2 | Air Traffic Controller Second Class Petty Officer |
| E-6 | AC1 | Air Traffic Controller First Class Petty Officer |
| E-7 | ACC | Chief Air Traffic Controller |
| E-8 | ACCS | Senior Chief Air Traffic Controller |
| E-9 | ACCM | Master Chief Air Traffic Controller |
As ACs advance, they take on greater leadership roles and responsibilities. Starting from Seaman Recruit, they can rise to Master Chief, the highest enlisted rank in this field.
Each promotion reflects increased expertise and leadership within Navy air traffic control operations.
Training and Promotion Opportunities
When you are done with basic training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, also known as “boot camp,” you will go to initial training, also known as “A” school.
Class “A” Technical School is a 21-week program in Pensacola, Florida, where students learn about the basics of Air Traffic Control, radio communications, and RADAR. This course involves simulators and group instruction.
Depending on your assignment, you may need to get more training. Before reporting for operational activities, ACs can expect to get specialized training on specific aircraft or equipment that is important to their job.
Following “A” school, Air Traffic Controllers spend one to two years at their initial duty station getting further abilities through on-the-job training. Additional lab, lecture, and individual training culminate in certification at an airport facility.
ACs work at traffic control centers on aircraft carriers or at air traffic control sites in the United States and around the world. During a 20-year career in the Navy, ACs spend roughly 30% of their time assigned to fleet units and 70% to shore stations, with many of the shore stations stationed overseas.
Promotions happen often, but they are competitive and based on how well you do your job.
Advanced Training
In the later stages of your career as an Air Traffic Controller, you may also get more training. If you want to become a better leader and have a college degree, you may take on an Officer role, which gives you the chance to lead and train other people.
Career Opportunities
Military Career Progression
As a Navy Air Traffic Controller, you can expect structured career growth tied to your rank and expertise. Here’s how your military career could progress:
| Pay Grade | Rate | Title | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 to E-3 | SR, SA, SN | Seaman Recruit/Apprentice/Seaman | General training, learning Navy fundamentals, and preparing for the AC designation. |
| E-4 | AC3 | Air Traffic Controller Third Class Petty Officer | Entry-level AC, controlling air traffic at small facilities, under supervision. |
| E-5 | AC2 | Air Traffic Controller Second Class Petty Officer | Managing more complex air traffic operations with less supervision. |
| E-6 | AC1 | Air Traffic Controller First Class Petty Officer | Leading teams of ACs, handling high-pressure air traffic control environments. |
| E-7 | ACC | Chief Air Traffic Controller | Supervising air traffic control operations and training junior sailors. |
| E-8 | ACCS | Senior Chief Air Traffic Controller | Overseeing entire air traffic control departments at larger installations or aboard ships. |
| E-9 | ACCM | Master Chief Air Traffic Controller | Senior enlisted advisor for air traffic control operations at the command level. |
Training and Certification: Navy ACs receive FAA-equivalent training, making them highly skilled in radar and tower operations. This training is crucial for civilian career transition.
Civilian Career Opportunities
After serving in the Navy, Air Traffic Controllers have numerous high-paying and in-demand civilian career paths available.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and private companies highly value the skills and certifications gained in the military.
| Civilian Job Title | Description | Median Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| FAA Air Traffic Controller | Direct aircraft at civilian airports; the most direct transition from Navy AC roles. | $132,250 (FAA average) |
| Airport Operations Specialist | Oversee daily airport operations, including ground traffic and emergency response. | $70,000 – $90,000 |
| Aviation Safety Inspector | Ensure compliance with aviation regulations and standards. | $75,000 – $120,000 |
| Airline Dispatch Coordinator | Plan and monitor commercial flight schedules, routes, and cargo. | $60,000 – $90,000 |
| Aerospace Systems Technician | Work on avionics and aerospace systems for private companies or defense contractors. | $70,000 – $100,000 |
| Instructor or Trainer | Teach air traffic control or aviation safety at civilian schools or training facilities. | $50,000 – $80,000 |
Career Progression Highlights
- Military to FAA: Many Navy ACs transition seamlessly into the FAA, leveraging their military certifications and experience for direct placement in civilian ATC roles.
- Broader Aviation Industry: Former ACs can also move into management roles in airport operations, aviation safety, or aerospace manufacturing.
- Leadership Skills: The leadership experience gained as a senior Navy AC (E-6 and above) positions veterans for supervisory or management roles in the civilian workforce.
Key Takeaways for Future Recruits
- Navy AC training is intensive and qualifies you for high-paying civilian careers.
- Serving as a Navy AC provides unique leadership opportunities and sets you apart in the aviation industry.
- Your skills will always be in demand, whether in military or civilian air traffic control or related fields.
Qualification to Join
To become an Enlisted Sailor and an Air Traffic Controller, you need a high school diploma or something comparable. To get a security clearance, you must also be a U.S. citizen. You must be 18 years old to go to AC(A1) school.
If you want to join the AC, you should be passionate about aviation and working with planes. You should be good with computers and figuring out how to read things like maps and charts.
ACs need to have an excellent memory, be able to do quick math calculations in their heads, be able to do detailed work, and be able to work well with others. You should also be in good shape, be able to articulate, and hear and see colors normally.
AC applicants must be able to make quick decisions, be self-assured, pay attention, and handle crises in tense situations. They must also have great short-term and visual memories and be able to do quick math calculations in their heads.
Applicants must be physically qualified, IAW MANMED P-117, be able to see colors well, be able to hear well, and be able to speak well.
Vision must be able to be corrected to 20/20. When given, uncorrected visual acuity cannot be better than what is given (i.e., 20/100), and it must be possible to correct to 20/20.
No past use of drugs. People who have been convicted of a federal or state drug crime are not eligible.
Whether you are currently serving, have served before, or have never served before can change the general requirements.
ASVAB Requirement
Applicants must score the minimum ASVAB score below to qualify to join the Navy as an Air Traffic Controller.
- VE + AR + MK + MC = 220; or
- PC + AR + MK = 166
The enlistment qualification requirements above are current as of Fiscal Year 2025, per the Navy Personnel Command. This information is not readily available to the public. So, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter for the most current requirements to join the Navy as an enlisted Sailor.
Service Obligation
Your enlistment contract normally binds you to four years of active service when you join the Navy as an Air Traffic Controller (AC). The deal is this:
- Training First: You will have around 3.5 years of service left after finishing boot camp (8 weeks) and Air Traffic Controller “A” School (20 weeks).
- Extensions Happen: Advanced training programs or special assignments can add extra time to your contract—this depends on the path you choose.
Bottom line: Your contract guarantees a solid career foundation, but always read the fine print to understand what you’re signing up for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What do Navy Air Traffic Controllers do?
They keep planes moving safely and smoothly. On airfields, carriers, and amphibious ships, they:
- Direct planes with radios, radar, and signals.
- Give pilots info about traffic, weather, and runways.
- Handle radars and navigation systems, making adjustments.
- Use radar to track where planes are.
- Keep charts and maps up to date.
What does it take to become one?
To qualify as an AC, you need to:
- Be a U.S. citizen who can get security clearance.
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Score well on the ASVAB (VE+AR+MK+MC=220 or PC+AR+MK=166).
- Pass a flight physical (you need normal color vision and hearing).
- Speak clearly (no speech problems).
How does training work?
First is boot camp. Then, 15 weeks in Pensacola, Florida, at Class “A” Tech School. You’ll learn:
- Air traffic control basics.
- Using radar and radios.
- Simulators and teamwork.
Later, you might get extra training for special assignments.
What’s the work environment like?
You’ll work in:
- Airfield control towers.
- Ship radar rooms or naval air station facilities.
- Field setups during operations.
Shifts rotate—nights, weekends, and holidays included.
Can ACs move up or get more education?
Definitely. ACs can:
- Earn promotions if they perform well.
- Take leadership training.
- Use education benefits (Navy College Program, Tuition Assistance, Post-9/11 GI Bill).
- Get credentials and experience for civilian jobs later.
How long is the service commitment for AC?
You’ll serve for at least five years.
What about civilian jobs after the Navy?
Skills and certs from being an AC fit right into civilian air traffic control or aviation management roles.
More Information
If you wish to learn more about becoming a Navy Air Traffic Controller (AC), contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.
You may also be interested in the following related Navy Enlisted Aviation jobs:
