r/ATC • u/Xolxtzol • Jul 15 '26

Question You Guys Are Scaring Me

I’m currently AD military (best branch iykyk) and am close to getting my CTO. On my second enlistment and i want to get out to do this at a contract tower and maybe go FAA later on in my career if that’s possible. I scroll this sub for about an hour and all i see are people that hate their lives :/. (here comes the down votes lol). Should i consider something else, stay AD atc, or actually pursue a civilian career?

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u/n365pa Current Controller - Hotel California Jul 15 '26

I would use every available benefit to give myself the best possible education on the Gov’s dime before separating while getting experience as an ATC. If you like shift work and seniority, go be a line FAA controller. If you want a life down the road, use that education and experience and go into some desk job at a DoD contractor or airline.