Military ATC Questions

[Capitals]

I've been in the Marine Corps for almost 4 years now and I'm coming up on reenlistment. I've been considering doing a lat move to ATC for a while now. Just got a few questions for any former Marine controllers here.

How do they handle shifts? I know most of the wing operates 24/7, what were your work hours like?

How are the working conditions for you guys while you're in garrison. I'm sure just about anything is better than the MLG but it seems like (from our side) that you guys have it a little cushier (no offense ).

This one is pretty specific but I'm hoping to get stationed at Futenma (Okinawa) when I finish school. Anyone worked there? Hows life for a controller here?

[JimmyK]

Originally Posted by Capitals

I've been in the Marine Corps for almost 4 years now and I'm coming up on reenlistment. I've been considering doing a lat move to ATC for a while now. Just got a few questions for any former Marine controllers here.

How do they handle shifts? I know most of the wing operates 24/7, what were your work hours like?

How are the working conditions for you guys while you're in garrison. I'm sure just about anything is better than the MLG but it seems like (from our side) that you guys have it a little cushier (no offense ).

This one is pretty specific but I'm hoping to get stationed at Futenma (Okinawa) when I finish school. Anyone worked there? Hows life for a controller here?

Im a controller at Cherry Point.

Most air stations are 8 hours a day, five days a week alternating one weeks of mornings (7-3) and one week of nights (3-11), special things to factor in are VIP flights and stuff where they may remain open after hours or on weekends. Here at NKT we do a rolling schedule of 2 days(7-3), 2 nights(3-11) and 2 off. This is subject to change at anytime though. In August MACS-2 is taking about 90% of the controllers here from station to Iraq, which is going to leave us SERIOUSLY undermanned, and our MSgt and Captain have been threatening a 6 day work week 10 hours a day. Well see how everything pans out in August I guess.

As far as QOL, like the rest of the Corps its what you make of it. You still have to do all your annual training, rifle range, PFT, swim quall etc except its mostly on you to remain proficient at it becasue our sole purpose here on station is to get qualified and deploy with the FMF.

Like I said, I'm in Cherry Point, Ive got a few friends at Futenma and another friend who's heading out there this fall. I'll pass any questions on to them you might have if you'd like.

[PilotChip]

Get ready for deployment! hahaha no, wait, seriously...after getting one or two positions you may deploy quite quickly.

Like my fellow Marine said, the schedule is pretty basic and has alternating night/day shifts each week. Down at New River in jacksonville, NC our ATC division practically spread throughout the base; Aside from normal work, myself and other select Marines were pistol and rifle coaches, volunteers at local schools, etc...

Plus we had uniform inspections, knowledge inspections, boards etc.. as usual... right within the facility. I wouldn't say it's cushy, but we weren't humping around, no.

I deployed during my 3rd year in service. Then on my 4th year deployed to Africa.

The best traffic flow, mix and excitement was during deployments; Fighter jets, helos, heavies, internationals...everything!