Air Traffic Controller
$138KHigh match
Stable demand
Live · Guide v1.093J · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262026 Cohort Active
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ARMY · 93JCareer Guide · Operations · VWC.CG.93J.R.04
93J · ARMY · EnlistedAir Traffic Control
Air Traffic Control
Supervisor.
Army 93J (Air Traffic Control Supervisor). 680 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $75K–$138K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.
Training hours680DoD pipeline
ACE creditACEUp to 15 semester hours recommended
Tech roles3mapped to your code
Civilian pathways5validated
Cert coverage2/5direct + partial
/ 01 · Tech Roles
Roles your code maps to.
Industry tech roles your 93J background maps to — picked from BLS-anchored occupations using your training, cognitive skills, and systems experience.
Sort · Match descending
/ 02 · Skill Bridge
The gap, named.
What 93J training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.
Already have07
- 01Situational Awareness→ Ability to synthesize data, assess risk, and make informed decisions under pressure.
- 02Rapid Prioritization→ Managing competing demands and making critical decisions in time-sensitive situations.
- 03Procedural Compliance→ Ensuring consistency, accuracy, and accountability in operations.
- 04Team Synchronization→ Coordinating complex activities, communicating clearly, and working effectively as part of a high-performing team.
- 05Supervisory Leadership→ Leading teams, delegating tasks, and ensuring operational effectiveness.
- 06Airspace Management→ Understanding of complex systems and their interactions.
- 07Radar Procedures→ Data interpretation and real-time decision-making.
To learn10
The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not a generic checklist.
+Linux fundamentals+Cloud computing (AWS, Azure, or GCP)+Infrastructure as Code (Terraform or CloudFormation)+Containerization (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes) basics+Configuration management (Ansible, Chef, or Puppet)+CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitLab CI)+Scripting (Python or Bash)+Security information and event management (SIEM) systems+Network security principles+Vulnerability scanning and penetration testing basics
How VWC fits
Vets Who Code is a free, full-time software engineering accelerator for veterans, active duty, and military spouses. We close the fundamentals — terminal, web platform, AI tooling, portfolio projects — so the rest of this list becomes specialization, not square one.
See VWC Programs →/ 03 · Civilian Pathways
Where your code lands.
Aerospace Engineering Technician
$75KGood match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
- — CAD Software
- — Aerospace Principles
Transportation Supervisor
$78KGood match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
- — Logistics Management
- — Supply Chain Optimization
Emergency Management Specialist
$82KModerate match
High demand
Skills to develop
- — Emergency Planning
- — Risk Assessment
- — HAZMAT Training
Aviation Safety Inspector
$95KGood match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
- — FAA certifications
- — Aviation regulations
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths
What the code built.
Cognitive skills your 93J training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.
Situational Awareness
93J's must maintain constant awareness of aircraft positions, weather conditions, and potential hazards within their airspace. This requires continuous monitoring of radar displays and communication channels to anticipate and respond to rapidly changing situations.
Transfers to
This translates to an ability to synthesize large amounts of information from various sources and quickly assess risks in dynamic environments. You are skilled at understanding the 'big picture' and making informed decisions under pressure.
Rapid Prioritization
Air traffic controllers must rapidly prioritize aircraft movements based on factors like emergencies, fuel levels, and separation standards. This demands quick decision-making under pressure to ensure safety and efficiency.
Transfers to
You've developed a strong ability to quickly assess the urgency and importance of multiple tasks and allocate resources accordingly. You excel at managing competing demands and making critical decisions in time-sensitive situations.
Procedural Compliance
ATC relies heavily on strict adherence to established procedures and regulations to maintain safety and order. 93Js are responsible for enforcing these procedures and ensuring all operations comply with them.
Transfers to
You possess a deep understanding of the importance of following established protocols and guidelines. You're skilled at ensuring consistency and accuracy in operations and maintaining accountability.
Team Synchronization
Air traffic control is a team effort, requiring seamless communication and coordination between controllers, pilots, and other personnel. 93Js must effectively communicate instructions, share information, and work collaboratively to ensure safe and efficient air traffic flow.
Transfers to
You excel at coordinating complex activities with multiple stakeholders. You are adept at communicating clearly and concisely, sharing critical information, and working effectively as part of a high-performing team.
/ 05 · Non-Obvious Matches
Roles the recruiter won't suggest.
Adjacent civilian roles your training maps to that conventional military-to-civilian advice tends to miss.
Logistics Coordinator
SOC 13-1081.00You've been managing the flow of aircraft with precision, making critical decisions under pressure, and ensuring smooth operations. As a Logistics Coordinator, you'll use these skills to manage the efficient movement of goods and materials, optimize supply chains, and resolve logistical challenges.
Adjacent · MatchEmergency Management Specialist
SOC 11-9161.00You've been trained to maintain situational awareness and respond quickly to emergencies. Your ability to prioritize and manage resources under pressure makes you an ideal candidate to plan and coordinate responses to natural disasters and other crises.
Adjacent · MatchProject Manager
SOC 11-9021.00You've been responsible for the safe and efficient flow of air traffic, which is essentially managing a complex project with multiple moving parts. You're skilled at planning, coordinating, and executing tasks to achieve specific goals within deadlines and budget constraints. As a project manager, you will use your skills to lead and manage projects in various industries.
Adjacent · Match/ 06 · Training & Certs
What you trained on.
Academy
Air Traffic Control School
Fort Novosel680hHours
17wkWeeks
ACECredit
Up to 15 semester hours recommended
Topics · 8
- Airspace Management
- Radar Procedures
- Flight Following
- Terminal Approach Control
- Ground Controlled Approach (GCA)
- Supervisory Leadership
- ATC Regulations & Compliance
- Emergency Procedures
Partial coverage · 2
- FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist Certification70%
Differences in FAA regulations, procedures, and equipment. Study FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control.
- Certified Manager (CM)50%
Formal management training, business administration principles, and leadership development.
Recommended next · 03
- Project Management Professional (PMP)Adjacent
- Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)Adjacent
- Airport Certified Employee (ACE) - OperationsAdjacent
/ 07 · Systems Translation
What you ran, in their words.
Military systems you operated and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent | Domain |
|---|---|---|
| AN/TPN-19 Landing Control Central | Advanced Air Traffic Control Systems (AATCS) | Operations |
| AN/MPN-14K Airport Surveillance Radar | Civilian Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR) | Signals |
| Digital Airfield Automation System (DAAS) | Air Situation Display Systems | Operations |
| Ground Controlled Approach (GCA) Radar | Precision Approach Radar (PAR) | Signals |
| AN/TRN-48 Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) | VOR/DME (VHF Omnidirectional Range/Distance Measuring Equipment) | Operations |
| Mobile Tower System (MOTS) | Mobile Air Traffic Control Towers | Operations |
/ Translator · Live
Translate 93J into a resume that ships.
Pair this guide with the VWC AI-powered translator: drop in your service record, get back ATS-optimized civilian resume language tuned to the tech roles above.