Exp hire after academy washout

So I tried joining the Air Force for ATC, I got as far as I could. i got held up on medical stating I didn't have 20/20 with corrective vision. I submitted a medical rebuttal saying that I could, which was approved. I was able to take the Air Force Air Traffic Scenarios test, (qualified), wasn't immediately offered ATC so i decided to wait, then my recruiter said to me about a week after getting my results saying, "MEPs changed their mind about the med review, so you're DQed from ATC and I can't understand why they changed their minds." I couldn't get any answer as to why so I stopped going through the process.

Any other thoughts or options that are still left? Gonna look into the reserves to see if I have any better luck.
 
So I tried joining the Air Force for ATC, I got as far as I could. i got held up on medical stating I didn't have 20/20 with corrective vision. I submitted a medical rebuttal saying that I could, which was approved. I was able to take the Air Force Air Traffic Scenarios test, (qualified), wasn't immediately offered ATC so i decided to wait, then my recruiter said to me about a week after getting my results saying, "MEPs changed their mind about the med review, so you're DQed from ATC and I can't understand why they changed their minds." I couldn't get any answer as to why so I stopped going through the process.

Any other thoughts or options that are still left? Gonna look into the reserves to see if I have any better luck.
Ask your recruiter for the proof of them “changing their mind”. Sounds like a bunch of bullshit to get you to get a different job.
 
You could always apply for Navy ATC, you are guaranteed ATC school with signing. You just run the risk of going somewhere without a big ticket like a ship, but thats anywhere.
 
Also if you know an AF veteran that is willing to come with you to meet the recruiter then take them. I will always offer to people thinking about joining and want to talk to a recruiter so they are less likely to spout bullshit and if they do will be called out on it.
I just read that there were so many slots for people to cross train into ATC within the USAF so for them to say it isn't in demand is bullshit.
 
Ask your recruiter for the proof of them “changing their mind”. Sounds like a bunch of bullshit to get you to get a different job.
I did and he’s like “uh idk” so I said fine, I’m done, DEP discharge me. He apparently “fought with MEPs saying this is bs” and his boss said the same thing, but here I am.

You could always apply for Navy ATC, you are guaranteed ATC school with signing. You just run the risk of going somewhere without a big ticket like a ship, but thats anywhere.
You’re the 2nd person that told me that. The only thing I’m nervous about is not getting the ticket, like you said. I figured the ANG would be a better chance, but I could be wrong.
 
You’re the 2nd person that told me that. The only thing I’m nervous about is not getting the ticket, like you said. I figured the ANG would be a better chance, but I could be wrong.
I went navy and graduated top of my class "you pick your orders on class standing" and had a lot of choices, went with an overseas CTO facility, no issues. Most people will see atleast 2 duty stations, if you did get stuck at a ship you would have a chance to negotiate for orders after a couple of years and go shore, hopefuly to a CTO facility. I promoted out of ATC and Im actually in recruiting right now in the PNW waiting to get out and go FAAor DOD hopefully after about 11 years in.
 
There are a lot of factors that can cause you to get not referred. The main reason I’ve seen people not get a TOL is that they had too much time remaining in service. I think I’ve also seen on the OTS bids that they say they won’t accept academy failures.

If you can give more info on your situation then people can help give you more of an educated guess. If not you can call HR and ask why you weren’t referred.


Not that it’s ever happened before but there is a provision that says any contract tower represented by NATCA that’s brought back into the FAA all BUE’s at that facility would be offered employment with the FAA....it also doesn’t technically say anything about age either which would be complicated but not your problem. Only the busiest contracts would ever have that possibility but it’s something maybe to think about lol
 
Not that it’s ever happened before but there is a provision that says any contract tower represented by NATCA that’s brought back into the FAA all BUE’s at that facility would be offered employment with the FAA....it also doesn’t technically say anything about age either which would be complicated but not your problem. Only the busiest contracts would ever have that possibility but it’s something maybe to think about lol
Yeah, that’s probably not happening. They’ve been doing everything they can to close and downgrade facilities. They’re not going to add facilities back that they already dumped off
 
Yeah, that’s probably not happening. They’ve been doing everything they can to close and downgrade facilities. They’re not going to add facilities back that they already dumped off

There’s several contract towers that are far busier than some level 7 facilities. When then were “dumped off” they weren’t expected to grow to what they’ve become. Aside from the safety issues of their low staffing, I doubt the FAA will want you let the top 5 continue to show the operation can be done with out them forever.
 
There’s several contract towers that are far busier than some level 7 facilities. When then were “dumped off” they weren’t expected to grow to what they’ve become. Aside from the safety issues of their low staffing, I doubt the FAA will want you let the top 5 continue to show the operation can be done with out them forever.

See Eagle in ski season.
 
See IWA, CHD, HWO, OPF, CRG all year
Yeah only two of those did more than VNY, level 7 tower and it was very close. The rest did half the traffic

Although you were probably one of those fools who liked to shout about Whiting Field being busier than ATL.
 
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Yeah only two of those did more than VNY, level 7 tower and it was very close. The rest did half the traffic

Although you were probably one of those fools who liked to shout about Whiting Field being busier than ATL.
....I worked at whiting AND gateway....I know the difference quite well.
 
Not to take away or add to either bc I’m sure both are crazy, but how is local split and how often at VNY? Had a buddy who worked at IWA for a short stint and he said they very rarely split just due to staffing. Pretty wild either way.
 
After my ASVAB AND TAPAS testing my recruiter offered me the ATC job and as I looked into it the more excited I got as it being a potential career.

The biggest thing that worries me is 3 years ago I received a drunk in public charge. Im worried that after I get through tech school and everything that I would just sit in limbo and never be able to progress through the process. Do you think at the age of 26 this would be the wrong career path to take?
 
After my ASVAB AND TAPAS testing my recruiter offered me the ATC job and as I looked into it the more excited I got as it being a potential career.

The biggest thing that worries me is 3 years ago I received a drunk in public charge. Im worried that after I get through tech school and everything that I would just sit in limbo and never be able to progress through the process. Do you think at the age of 26 this would be the wrong career path to take?

I don’t understand this mentality of disqualifying yourself before even applying. Apply, it’s at no cost to you other than time off. Seems like a small price to pay for the opportunity at an amazing career. ?‍♂️

Let them tell you, don’t tell yourself they might say no. Ask, hope for the best but plan for the worst. Don’t put your life on hold but if you’re serious about this, apply. See what happens. Ride it out!
 
I did and he’s like “uh idk” so I said fine, I’m done, DEP discharge me. He apparently “fought with MEPs saying this is bs” and his boss said the same thing, but here I am.


You’re the 2nd person that told me that. The only thing I’m nervous about is not getting the ticket, like you said. I figured the ANG would be a better chance, but I could be wrong.

You need to go Active Duty. 52 weeks full time certification isn't what you'll get in the guard or reserves. Unless the laws of time no longer exist and drill days/AT suddenly equate to being active duty 24/7 controlling traffic on the daily.

The Army, Navy and Marines all have ATC. I would go Army if I were you because they will LITERALLY TAKE ANYONE. You could be Hellen freaking Keller and you'd be controlling traffic.

If you can get Navy.... easy basic training and cool places to see. Either way, the Air Force recruiter is lying to you. Bail on him.
 
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