Millitary

[belu0501]

which is the way to go. FAA, Air Force, or Navy. I am just trying to get some opinions...

[nathanw]

The FFA pays better. And you don't have to deploy.

[50%paycut]

Im not sure about the pay scale for the "Future Farmers of America" (its FAA not FFA) but I wouldn't say that the FAA pays better. If you were to join the air force you would get the training for free (no student loans to pay) an O.K. pay check (about 1340 to 1990 every other friday), free housing (or money every month to pay for housing), money for food, free health care, etc. That all adds up to more than the 31K the FAA starts you at.

[SoonerATC]

Plus a chance to work in some of the coolest places in the world (Europe, Asia, Hawaii, Guam). As others mentioned, you will likely deploy though and have to go through some pretty lame "wargames". Many people enjoy deploying though.

[ATC RET 2003]

Originally Posted by 50%paycut

(its FAA not FFA)

After you've worked for the "agency" a few years, check back in and let us know what you're calling it...

[88MPH]

Here's the $s and cs on the military, I've been in 5+ years enlisted, married, and live off base, so my paycheck is the highest it can be regarding extra allowances. For the month, my gross is $3,331.23, or $39,974.76/yr. Out of that, the normal SSI, Medicare, SGLI, dental, and taxes are drawn, then you get your paycheck, which for me is roughly 1500/bi-weekly. Starting pay is MUCH lower.

True, you get free training, and a good shot at an A.A.S., but with the OTS jobs now, that's a null arguement.

So DON'T go in for the money.

Next, you don't GO INTO the military. You ARE the military, you BECOME the military, or you LEAVE the military. It's not a job, it's who you ARE. Take that whichever way you want, but that's your life for the length of your contract. It's much different than being employed by the govt as a "civilian."

[JT ATC]

I was active USAF for 4 years and I had a blast. Deployed to Kuwait, Diego Garcia, Turkey, and UAE and i can't wait to go overseas again after I"m rated at ZID. Only reason I got out was because they wouldn't let me cross train into ATC.

But other pros are free college, free medical, and free dental.

But ya...don't join it for the money. Don't join the FAA for the money either. Join whichever you will truely enjoy doing.

[nathanw]

Originally Posted by JT ATC

I was active USAF for 4 years and I had a blast. Deployed to Kuwait, Diego Garcia, Turkey, and UAE and i can't wait to go overseas again after I"m rated at ZID. Only reason I got out was because they wouldn't let me cross train into ATC.

But other pros are free college, free medical, and free dental.

But ya...don't join it for the money. Don't join the FAA for the money either. Join whichever you will truely enjoy doing.

Or be like me and do both... I'm a reservist in the Air Force. Been in for almost 11 years now with about 8 of that as active duty.

[rickyrhodesii]

I'm an active duty Air Force controller. I've been in 7+ years and deployed twice. My first deployment came after 5 1/2 years when I volunteered to go so I could reenlist tax free. The second, and currently serving on, was a non-volunteer deployment.

Just be careful when people tell you "you'll deploy a lot" as an Air Force controller. If I didn't volunteer and reenlisted, I would've gone 6 years without a deployment.

Ask away, there are plenty of us around that will be more than willing to answer your questions!

[88MPH]

Originally Posted by rickyrhodesii

Just be careful when people tell you "you'll deploy a lot" as an Air Force controller. If I didn't volunteer and reenlisted, I would've gone 6 years without a deployment.

Oh, yeah, I can back that up. I've been in 5yrs 5mo and had a whopping Z3r0 deployments. Maybe you're lucky, maybe you're not.

[NFW JR]

I think I'll chime in about the navy since you have alot of air force responses already. The FAA looks really good right now with all the hiring that is going on, and the pay really isnt that bad compared to a enlisted E-1 to E-4. But only after you add on all the extras that the military gives you (housing, ins., etc.) Its really about what you want out of it. If you just want a career and don't really care too much about seeing the world or the military, then I would opt for the FAA. If you have some bigger aspirations, then consider the military. They will train you for free, (the navy trains you on radar AND tower positions, that is huge when trying to snag an opening in ATC) pay you, feed you and provide housing or pay you to live out in town. Now, I can only comment on what I have experienced in the Navy. I have also been and worked with the Air Force and I love my fellow airman. I know that the Air Force believes quality of life is to be held to a very high standard and they provided some of the nicest and cleanest bases and facilities in the service. The Navy isn't far behind, but the training aspect is completely different. You must remember that the Navy doesn't just follow FAA regs, but Naval regs as well and holds the 7110 just as high as the NAVY 80T. If you really want to know, grab a recruiter and ask to take a tour of the air traffic facilities at your nearest base(if applicable.) I had a blast in the Navy and also while working with the Air Force, and 88MPH is right. You represent and become the military, you will never ever forget your experiences or the people you meet. You never forget to let someone know you served. Its a fraternity that far surpasses any college counterpart that you could ever be a part of.

[PilotChip]

The following is an opinion and does not necessarily provide statistical or factual information concerning the current workforce. Only my personal views.

If you're interested in being a Marine feel free to read some of my posts. I spent 4 out of 5 years as an air traffic controller in the conus and abroad. I now wish I had re-enlisted.

The training is great in the mil.
Although there are regulations, it was actually more enjoyable to work for the mil than the "job" now.
Better (provided) health and other benefits in the mil. Paid meal entitlements. Housing.
Deployment (travel?) was deadly and not a fun experience (in the Marines, that is).
All other services get paid extra, with better facilities, to live where Marines live - so that's a plus for them.
4-5 year contracts though. The "job" has none unless you're on a recruitment incentive.
Physical training is consistent and continuous (highest requirements in USMC).
Uniforms in mil. and now uniforms at the "job" (nice dress attire).
No camaraderie in the "job" whatsoever. Everybody is the smartest person. "Job" management does not intended to increase morality of their employees.

The "job" knows everybody is resigning and retiring so now they can hire a bunch of eager developmentals...like myself, although i thought it was a great work environment and now I should have done more reading before driving x-country for absolutely nothing. I had a better salary and way more enjoyable life selling furniture in a small town! Even when I do (if I do) make it to a level 10 or something, I can expect $30k less than my co-worker sitting next to me and a 6-day work week.

Although the choice is yours I suggest military air traffic control. BUT you have to fully understand what that entails. There's no quitting until your time is up.

You MUST ensure that your recruiter has in writing that you will be assigned the ATC specialty - that's the most important tip.

[ATC RET 2003]

Now THIS is a dandy post from someone who has seen both sides... and both very recently.

Good work, Chip.

[rickyrhodesii]

Chip...we need to get you back and parade you around all the military ATC facilities. You can enlighten our young guys jumping for the FAA know that the grass isn't as green as they think it is!

Great post!

[PilotChip]

Keep in mind I'm not down-playing the FAA. I just hate that I decided to join in a second too late and I just generally thought controllers got paid alot (which they did, I guess) so I never researched the current status of the ATC/Agency workforce and payplans. Even though the current situation is not as good as it could be, I think I am glad to have become a civilian controller. I'm told it will slowly climb back to where it was. Also remember each facility is different. Environments change. We'll see.