What's the role of an Air Traffic Controller in the military?

I've been thinking about becoming an Air Traffic Controller in the military. What exactly do they do, and how does military experience benefit this career compared to civilian roles?

An Air Traffic Controller (ATC) in the military has a fairly similar role to its civilian counterpart, but with some distinct differences. Their chief responsibility is managing the flow of aircraft through all dimensions of air space. This might involve directing incoming and outgoing air traffic, ensuring safe takeoffs and landings, enforcing air traffic rules and regulations, and providing critical information like weather updates to pilots.

The ATCs in the military also manage military aircraft, and they need to have extensive knowledge of military flight procedures and operations, which might not be required in civilian roles. Sometimes, this can include facilitating the launch and recovery of combat and reconnaissance missions, which can be far more demanding than typical commercial aircraft operations.

One of the key distinctions, and benefits, of being an ATC in the military is the experience you gain in various demanding scenarios, and under various pressures, which is highly regarded in both military and civilian settings. The ability to react quickly, make sound decisions and remain calm under extreme pressures are some key skills honed in this role.

Additionally, getting your ATC training through the military can often be more cost-effective as the military covers the cost of training. You'll also gain valuable benefits like GI Bill benefits, which can help cover future education costs, and veteran status, making you a 'preference-eligible' applicant when applying for federal jobs.

Moreover, the Federal Aviation Administration, which governs all ATC activity in civilian airspace, gives hiring preference to veterans. This coupled with your practical experience means that transitioning to a civilian ATC role post-military can be smoother.

However, it's key to note that the general working conditions and the kind of traffic you deal with can differ significantly between civilian and military ATC roles. The military role is likely to be more variable and potentially more demanding given the nature of military operations. So, it's important to have a clear idea about that before making your decision.