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That is Army MOS 15Q. Civilian jobs, federal paths, and how the work reads on a resume.
What is in this guide
What the translation looks like
How it reads in service
Achieved facility rating at Hanchey Army Heliport, controlling 45,000+ annual operations across tower and radar positions
How a hiring manager reads it
Earned independent certification across all operational positions in a 24/7 operations center processing 45,000+ annual transactions with zero-error requirements
Roles this background maps to
Median pay, BLS OEWS May 2024
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After the Navy he was hired into six federal career fields and tech sales, and sat on federal hiring panels along the way. The last two years went into rebuilding all of it into BMR, tuned for how resumes get screened today. 75,916 resumes built so far.
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Army Air Traffic Control Operators (15Q) manage tactical and fixed-base air traffic control operations across Army airfields worldwide. They direct rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft through approach, departure, and en route procedures using radar systems, radio communications, and visual signals — often in austere environments where civilian controllers would never operate.
The 15Q training pipeline starts with AIT at Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker), Alabama, where Soldiers learn tower and radar procedures on live Army airfields handling a mix of UH-60 Black Hawks, CH-47 Chinooks, AH-64 Apaches, and fixed-wing traffic. After AIT, controllers are assigned to tactical or fixed-base facilities and work toward facility ratings. Some 15Qs deploy to forward airfields where they establish ATC services from scratch using mobile equipment — a capability that has no civilian equivalent.
What makes 15Qs valuable to civilian employers is their ability to manage complex, high-traffic airspace under pressure with zero margin for error. They separate aircraft, issue clearances, coordinate with adjacent facilities, and handle emergencies — the same core functions performed at FAA facilities. The difference is that Army controllers have done it in conditions far more demanding than a typical FAA tower.
The path from a 15Q to FAA Air Traffic Control via the Veterans Recruitment Appointment is one of the cleanest career bridges in the Army. The hiring side likes 15Qs because Class B and tower experience translates almost directly. I've seen 15Qs use BMR resumes to land $80K+ FAA positions in their first six months out. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder
The number that decides most of this: how does civilian pay compare to what the paycheck looks like now?
Army mid-career
$58K to $82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp: base plus BAH, BAS and the tax advantage.
Civilian Air Traffic Control Operator
$55K to $137K
BLS median across the direct-match civilian roles on this page.
Federal, GS-9 to GS-13
$58K to $120K
10 matching GS series, plus locality pay and step increases.
About 15% higher on average
Civilian roles for Air Traffic Control Operators pay about $10K more than mid-career enlisted total comp.
Military comp is approximate and moves with location and dependents. Civilian is the BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. The real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step and overtime.
The civilian air traffic control path for 15Qs runs primarily through the FAA, but there are private sector opportunities as well. Contract tower companies operate over 250 FAA-contracted towers across the country, and several defense contractors hire controllers for military-adjacent work.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), the median annual wage for air traffic controllers is $137,380 (O*NET 53-2021.00), making it one of the highest-paying careers available to veterans without a four-year degree. The FAA is actively hiring and has historically given preference to veterans with military ATC experience through the prior experience pathway.
Beyond ATC itself, 15Qs translate well into aviation operations, airfield management, and aviation safety roles. Airfield operations specialists earn a BLS median of $55,370 (53-2022.00), while aviation inspectors — who audit ATC facilities and airline operations — earn a median of $76,750 (53-6051.00).
| Civilian job title | Industry | BLS median salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Traffic ControllerO*NET 53-2021.00 | Aviation / Government | $137,380 | About as fast as average (3%) | strong |
| Airfield Operations SpecialistO*NET 53-2022.00 | Aviation / Government | $55,370 | About as fast as average | strong |
| Aviation InspectorO*NET 53-6051.00 | Aviation / Government | $76,750 | Slower than average | moderate |
| Dispatcher (Aircraft)O*NET 43-5032.00 | Aviation / Airlines | $55,230 | About as fast as average | moderate |
| Transportation ManagerO*NET 11-3071.00 | Transportation / Logistics | $102,950 | Little or no change | moderate |
| Emergency Management DirectorO*NET 11-9161.00 | Government / Consulting | $83,960 | About as fast as average (3%) | moderate |
| Electronics Engineering TechnicianO*NET 17-3023.00 | Aviation / Telecommunications | $65,260 | Little or no change | moderate |
| Training and Development SpecialistO*NET 13-1151.00 | Aviation / Corporate | $64,340 | About as fast as average (6%) | emerging |
Primary employer for veteran controllers. Prior experience pathway for military ATC. Over 300 facilities nationwide.
Largest contract tower operator in the U.S. Operates 70+ FAA-contracted towers. Strong veteran hiring.
Contract tower operator with multiple locations. Known for hiring military controllers.
Operates FAA contract towers and provides aviation services worldwide. Active military recruiting.
ATC radar systems, communications infrastructure, and defense electronics. Hires controllers for systems testing and training roles.
ATC modernization programs, aviation simulation, and defense systems. Values cleared veterans with ATC background.
Builds ATC communication and surveillance systems. Hires veteran controllers for engineering support and testing.
DOD aviation and airspace management contracts. ATC system modernization projects.
Supports military ATC training, simulation, and systems integration. Active clearance required for many positions.
Civilian aviation and airfield management positions at Army installations. GS-2152 positions available.
Aviation accident investigation. Hires experienced ATC professionals as investigators and analysts.
Airline operations center, dispatch, and ramp operations management. Values military aviation backgrounds.
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“With your assistance on my resume I got offered a 239.5K a year job today. Thanks so much Brad, you changed my way of life tremendously. God bless you”
Anthony · Veteran · Army · Program Management / Logistics · $239,500 offer
The FAA is the primary federal employer for 15Q veterans, but it is far from the only option. Army ATC experience maps to multiple GS series across DOD, FAA, DHS, and other agencies.
The most direct path is the GS-2152 (Air Traffic Control) series, which is the classification for all FAA controllers. The FAA's prior experience hiring pathway allows military controllers with a facility rating and documented hours to apply directly — no CTI program or AT-SAT required. This is one of the most veteran-friendly hiring processes in the federal government. Apply early: FAA hiring announcements open and close quickly, and the onboarding process takes months.
Beyond ATC, 15Qs qualify for GS-2001 (General Supply) and GS-2010 (Inventory Management) if they managed ATC equipment and supply accounts. Program management (GS-0340) and administrative officer (GS-0341) positions are accessible for senior NCOs who ran ATC facilities. Aviation safety inspector roles fall under GS-1825 (Aviation Safety) at the FAA and NTSB. Technical positions in electronics (GS-0856) match controllers who maintained radar and communication systems.
| Series | Federal job title | Typical grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-2152 | Air Traffic Control | FG-5, FG-7, FG-9, FG-11 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0340 | Program Management | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 2 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0341 | Administrative Officer | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 2 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0343 | Management and Program Analyst | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 2 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0301 | Miscellaneous Administration and Program | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 2 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1712 | Training Instruction | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 2 of 5 | View details |
| GS-2001 | General Supply | GS-5, GS-7 | 2 of 5 | View details |
| GS-2010 | Inventory Management | GS-5, GS-7, GS-9 | 2 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0856 | Electronics Technician | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 2 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0346 | Logistics Management | GS-7, GS-9 | 1 of 5 | View details |
Federal raters match your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement. BMR writes the federal format for any GS series above, with the hours per week and supervisor detail a rater looks for.
Free to start. Federal and private sector formats included.
Not everyone stays in a related field. These paths run on the transferable half of the job: leadership, risk, logistics, planning.
Controlling traffic on a busy net taught you to stay calm, juggle many situations, and give clear direction fast. A 911 dispatch floor runs on that exact mix of multi-incident tracking and decisive comms, just for police, fire, and EMS.
Transfers: Calm voice control during emergencies, Tracking multiple incidents at once, Decisive, scripted radio communication, Resource coordination under time pressure.
How to get there: Agencies hire and train in-house through an academy plus certification (often APCO or NENA). The screening favors candidates who can prove composure and clear communication under pressure.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 3% (As fast as average)
Watching dozens of tracks and directing them safely is the same cognitive load as running an electrical grid. Power dispatchers monitor the network on live displays and make fast, decisive switching calls across a region.
Transfers: Real-time monitoring of many moving elements, Decisive control communication, Sustained focus on a live display, Procedural response to anomalies.
How to get there: Utilities hire on aptitude and train in-house; NERC System Operator certification is earned on the job. A background in real-time monitored, high-consequence systems is exactly what control rooms look for.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · -3% (Decline)
Trading floors reward the same nervous system the tower built: scan many fast-moving feeds, stay calm, and act decisively in seconds. The multi-object focus that keeps aircraft apart also tracks markets and executes trades.
Transfers: Reading multiple live data feeds at once, Decisive action under time pressure, Composure during high-stakes moments, Clear, concise communication.
How to get there: Entry requires sponsorship by a firm and passing the SIE plus Series 7 and 63 licensing exams. Firms hire on aptitude and composure, then train product knowledge; a degree helps but is not always required.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 3% (As fast as average)
A controller who stays calm with lives in the balance already has the hardest part of emergency medicine. Paramedics run the same composure and fast prioritization, treating and communicating under pressure on every call.
Transfers: Calm decision-making in life-or-death moments, Rapid prioritization of simultaneous demands, Clear communication under stress, Protocol-driven action.
How to get there: You earn an EMT certification first, then complete a paramedic program (about 1 to 2 years) and pass the NREMT exam. GI Bill funding applies to most accredited programs.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 5% (Faster than average)
Running a live broadcast is the tower mindset in a control room: track many feeds, hit cues precisely, and direct the team calmly while it is all happening at once. The composure transfers directly.
Transfers: Live multi-source coordination, Calm cue and timing control, Clear directional communication, Real-time monitoring and switching.
How to get there: A technical certificate or associate degree in broadcast or media technology is the common entry; some stations train on the job. SBE certification raises pay and credibility.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · -1% (Decline)
Sequencing aircraft is live coordination of many moving parts under safety pressure. A production floor needs the same skill: directing people and machines in real time, staying calm when the line changes, and keeping everyone in sync.
Transfers: Coordinating people and equipment in real time, Calm direction during fast-changing conditions, Clear, decisive radio and floor communication, Sequencing simultaneous tasks safely.
How to get there: Employers promote from skilled-operator roles or hire on demonstrated coordination ability. Lean or Six Sigma coursework helps, but the core qualification is proven real-time leadership of an operation.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 3% (As fast as average)
The skills behind the specialty carry further than the specialty. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the paths above without making it sound like you have never done the work.
Free to start. Try as many angles as you want.
If you are applying to FAA or contract tower positions, this section does not apply to you — ATC hiring managers speak your language. This section is for 15Qs targeting careers outside of air traffic control, where the hiring manager has never seen an ATC facility rating on a resume.
Your ATC experience translates powerfully into operations management, logistics, emergency management, and any role that requires real-time decision-making under pressure. The challenge is reframing your experience so a non-aviation hiring manager understands what you actually did.
Before, in service
Achieved facility rating at Hanchey Army Heliport, controlling 45,000+ annual operations across tower and radar positions
After, on the resume
Earned independent certification across all operational positions in a 24/7 operations center processing 45,000+ annual transactions with zero-error requirements
Before, in service
Issued 150+ daily clearances maintaining radar and visual separation standards across multiple aircraft types in Class D airspace
After, on the resume
Made 150+ daily compliance-critical decisions in a real-time operational environment, maintaining strict regulatory standards with zero tolerance for error
Before, in service
Operated RATCF providing radar approach control services to 12 aircraft simultaneously using PAR, ASR, and TACAN systems
After, on the resume
Managed multi-system coordination for 12 concurrent operations using three distinct technical platforms, maintaining real-time situational awareness and regulatory compliance
Before, in service
Trained 8 junior controllers through facility certification program, conducting daily evaluations and progress briefings to facility chief
After, on the resume
Designed and delivered competency-based training for 8 team members, conducting structured evaluations and reporting progress to senior leadership, with 100% certification rate
Before, in service
Served as Facility Chief for Knox Army Heliport ATC, managing 14 controllers, facility inspections, and 30,000+ annual operations
After, on the resume
Directed a 14-person 24/7 operations center, managing staffing, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and 30,000+ annual processing cycles
Before, in service
Coordinated daily with Cairns AATF, Dothan Approach, and Fort Novosel Tower via letters of agreement and direct communication
After, on the resume
Maintained formal coordination agreements and daily communication with 3 external operational units, ensuring seamless handoffs and consistent service delivery
Before, in service
Managed 12 in-flight emergencies including engine failures and instrument malfunctions, coordinating with crash-fire-rescue and medevac assets
After, on the resume
Served as primary crisis coordinator for 12 high-priority incidents, directing multi-team response, managing real-time communications across 4 support agencies, and ensuring proper incident documentation
Before, in service
Updated and disseminated NOTAMs, ATIS broadcasts, and flight plan data ensuring all operational information was current and accurate
After, on the resume
Maintained mission-critical operational databases and information broadcasts, ensuring 100% data accuracy for real-time decision-making by operational staff and external stakeholders
BMR turns your 15Q duties and accomplishments into civilian bullets aimed at the job you are applying for. No manual translation.
Free to start. Tailored to each posting.
Which ones you need depends on where you are headed.
RequiredCost $0 (exam fee waived for prior experience)Time 3-6 months (FAA Academy)GI Bill eligibleRequired for all FAA controllers. Military prior experience candidates may receive accelerated training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City.
RecommendedCost $300-$800 (exam + prep)Time 4-8 weeksGI Bill eligibleRequired for airline dispatch positions. ATC knowledge of airspace, weather, and routing provides a strong foundation for the exam.
RecommendedCost $300-$500Time 6-12 months (experience + exam)Gold standard for emergency management. ATC emergency coordination experience counts toward the experience requirement.
RecommendedCost $50-$100Time 1 dayKeep current through separation. Required or preferred for many operations, safety, and emergency management positions.
BeneficialCost $1,500-$2,000 (program + exam)Time 3-6 monthsGI Bill eligibleStrong credential for logistics and supply chain careers. ATC resource coordination experience provides relevant context.
BeneficialCost $404 (exam fee)Time 2-4 months studyGI Bill eligibleDOD 8570 baseline certification. Valuable for defense contractor positions involving ATC systems and cybersecurity.
BeneficialCost $300-$500 (exam)Time 2-4 monthsGI Bill eligibleProcess improvement methodology. ATC operational efficiency experience translates well. Valued by federal agencies and defense contractors.
RecommendedCost $555 (PMI member exam fee)Time 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleGold standard for project management careers. ATC facility management hours likely count toward the 36-month experience requirement.
RecommendedCost $150-$300Time 4 daysEntry-level safety certification. Can take online. Relevant for safety management and EHS career paths.
BeneficialCost $320 (exam fee)Time 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleMost respected safety credential. Military safety program experience counts toward experience requirements.
Placement decides whether a screener ever sees it. BMR knows where each one ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it.
Free to start. Built around your real certs and clearance.
FAA Prior Experience Pathway: The FAA actively recruits military controllers. Watch for announcements on USAJobs under the 2152 series. The prior experience pathway lets you bypass the CTI program. Your facility rating and logged hours are your ticket — keep those records updated.
Contract Towers: Companies like Robinson Aviation (RVA), Midwest ATC, and Serco operate FAA-contracted towers. These positions are easier to land than direct FAA hires and often serve as stepping stones. Many contract tower jobs are at smaller airports with lower traffic volume — good for transitioning at your own pace.
SkillBridge: Some ATC-related companies participate in DOD SkillBridge. Check the SkillBridge database for current openings. Starting the conversation early (12+ months out) gives you the best options.
NATCA: The National Air Traffic Controllers Association is the union for FAA controllers. Familiarize yourself with their resources — they advocate for controller pay, benefits, and working conditions.
Project Management: The PMP certification (PMI) is the standard. Your ATC operational hours likely count toward the experience requirement. Many employers will reimburse exam costs. GI Bill covers some prep courses.
Emergency Management: If the crisis-response aspect of ATC appeals to you, consider FEMA's Independent Study courses — they are free and build a foundation for emergency management careers. The CEM (Certified Emergency Manager) from IAEM is the gold standard cert in this field.
Federal Employment (USAJobs): Create your USAJobs profile immediately. Use the "Veterans" filter. Key agencies for 15Qs beyond the FAA: DHS (TSA, CBP), DOD civilian, and FEMA. Federal resumes are 2 pages max. Build yours here.
Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from corporate executives. Get paired with someone in your target industry — it is completely free for veterans.
Clearance Leverage: Your Secret clearance has real market value with defense contractors. Sites like ClearanceJobs.com list positions requiring active clearances. Do not let yours lapse during transition.
Education Benefits: Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval before enrolling. Many certification exam fees and prep courses are covered.
Army Resume Guide: MOS Translation | Complete Military Resume Guide | Army ETS Checklist | Build Your Resume Free
Most people do this backwards: wait for terminal leave, then panic. This is the sequence that works. Already out? Same plan, day one is today.
Days 0 to 30
Days 30 to 60
Days 60 to 90
Yes. The FAA has a prior experience hiring pathway specifically for military controllers. You need a facility rating and documented control hours. This pathway bypasses the CTI (Collegiate Training Initiative) program requirement. Watch USAJobs for 2152-series announcements — they open and close quickly. Be aware that FAA onboarding takes months, so apply well before separation.
According to BLS May 2024 data, the median annual wage for air traffic controllers is $137,380 (O*NET 53-2021.00). Pay varies significantly by facility level — high-traffic facilities like Chicago TRACON or New York Center pay substantially more than low-traffic contract towers. The FAA uses a locality pay system on top of base salary.
No. The FAA prior experience pathway does not require a degree. Your military ATC training and facility rating serve as your qualification. For other aviation careers (aviation management, safety inspection), some employers prefer a degree, but military experience can substitute in many cases.
Many 15Qs transition into operations management (BLS median $102,950), emergency management ($83,960), logistics ($80,880), or project management ($100,750). Your skills in real-time decision-making, multi-system coordination, and high-pressure operations are valued across industries. See the Career Change Paths and Skills Translation sections above for specific paths and how to reframe your experience.
Veterans Preference gives you 5 or 10 extra points on federal hiring assessments. Disabled veterans receive 10 points. You need your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) and SF-15 form. For FAA specifically, the prior experience pathway is already veteran-friendly — but VPref still applies. Start your federal resume at bestmilitaryresume.com — federal resumes follow different rules than private sector.
Yes. An active Secret clearance saves employers $5,000-15,000+ and months of processing time. Defense contractors, federal agencies, and some aviation companies require clearances. ClearanceJobs.com lists positions specifically. Your clearance stays active for up to 24 months after separation if not renewed — start your job search before it lapses.
Depends on your target career. For FAA ATC — you likely do not need additional education; your military rating qualifies you. For aviation management — an aviation degree from an FAA CTI school could open doors. For non-aviation careers — certifications (PMP, CEM, OSHA 30) often give faster ROI than a four-year degree. Many employers in operations and emergency management accept military experience plus certifications in lieu of a degree.
Contract towers are FAA-certified facilities operated by private companies (Robinson Aviation, Midwest ATC, Serco). They handle lower traffic volume than major FAA facilities. Pay is typically lower than direct FAA positions but still competitive. Many veteran controllers start at contract towers and later transfer to FAA. Contract towers are a solid entry point with less competitive hiring.
For FAA careers, facility locations are nationwide — but high-paying facilities cluster near major metros (Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, New York). For defense contractor work, look at Fort Novosel/Enterprise AL, Huntsville AL, and the DC Metro area. For aviation management, any region with significant air traffic works. Remote positions are uncommon in ATC but exist in aviation safety consulting and training development.
Yes — and you should. FAA hiring is slow; the process from application to facility assignment can take 6-12 months. Apply as soon as you see an announcement that fits. At 180 days before separation, explore DOD SkillBridge opportunities in aviation. Have your resume, facility rating documentation, and control hours ready before announcements post. Use terminal leave as your transition runway.
Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
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