Air traffic control in the Air Force: What's it like? | Elora Jean

[@rachelgardner1016]

YAAYYYY FINALLY ATC!!! i am trying to find everything about ATC that i can i am so excited that you made this video!

[@joestreets9770]

I was a controller in the air force for 8 years and am currently a GS12 for the army doing ATC still. So if you have any questions let me know. :)

[@lisamedellin3492]

@@joestreets9770 My recruiter said that I qualified to take the ATC test..? What should I expect? He told me there wasn't anything to prepare for, it's just checking to see if I can multi-task...

[@joestreets9770]

@@lisamedellin3492 so unfortunately I joined before that test was implemented, but from what I heard it is similar to the FAA ATSA exam. But that's just what I have heard from others. Sorry i couldn't be more help in this area. If there is anything else I can answer please let me know.

[@alyssafairfax6740]

@@lisamedellin3492 I took the test and passed (I leave for basic on April 2nd, 2019) we actually sign a lot of confidentiality contracts before starting the exam, so you aren't supposed to talk about it. I'll give you the advice that I was given, "stay calm and focus". Honestly, ATC is something that you either have or you don't, there was legit no way that I would've been able to prepare for that exam. Best of luck!

[@lisamedellin3492]

Alyssa Fairfax just because you passed doesn’t mean that’s the career field you will go into, correct?

[@aroseiswhite]

I love your videos going over different jobs in AF. I am on track to join, and the different jobs are my main curiosity.

[@redkeepersylar]

These "What's it like?" videos are the best. Keep them coming!!!

[@EloraJean]

Thanks for the positive feedback!

[@kej1562]

Love these videos!! Can you do maybe dental assistant, services, diagnostic radiologist or imaging, public health, optometry and/or administration jobs? Thanks for all of your videos they help me so much! ❤️

[@OldWizard-tt5lt]

Kay Breezy I’m administrative if you have any questions

[@aeliciathomas3381]

I’m looking for more info on health services Management and public health as far as were you can be stationed

[@amandamorken7214]

I’m definitely thankful for this video and thankful for the time you guys sacrificed to make it!

[@aria-vy5ug]

I'd love to see a video on paralegals or maybe broadcast journalists? Thank you for your service Elora and for all your videos :)

[@kaymcc1501]

aria lockheart yes paralegal please

[@kyara6946]

Yes, paralegal please

[@frozenparodoxbassman]

I'm applying for broadcast journalist with my recruiter in the next few weeks! If you are unaware you have to submit recordings of you reading news releases.

[@og_allex136]

Thank you so much for doing this video I just finished meps today I'm all qualified I got an 84 on the Asvab no I just have to take the ATC test to see if I qualify for it, its the only job that I really want to do security forces and special forces are behind it

[@rawrrawrbinks742]

It would be cool to hear from an officer regardless of their job

[@Pinklipzz94]

Operation intelligence job review plz. Even if the person can’t say too much any bit of information will help

[@Tyhar93]

Same. Wish there were more information available.

[@sydneykestner6522]

My stepdad was active duty for 24 years and still works doing operational intelligence as a civilian for SOC. He obviously can't tell us too much but the two main things are that there's a TON of reading in his field, in any intel job really, and for operational intel specifically, there's a lot of public speaking/briefing. He loves his job and would recommend it to anyone who can stand to read a lot. There's opportunity for reenlistment bonuses because intel isn't super huge and because it's pretty easy to get a contract as a civilian after you get out. Hope this helped a little bit!

[@Pinklipzz94]

Sydney Kestner thank you so much

[@gastilt]

I work with a bunch of 1N0X1 Operation Intelligence analysts what do you want to know?

[@Pinklipzz94]

Random Game Simulator omg that’s great. I’ll like to know how intense was technical school. What does the job entails? ( I know they can’t say certain things but whatever information they can give I’ll appreciate) Do they deploy a lot? Do they enjoy it? Thank you so much

[@erdemmemisyazici3950]

❤❤❤ Such a shy girl. By 13:17 she starts making eye contact with you :) I bet she's brilliant. 6 years just to learn upfront. That is dedication.

[@EloraJean]

Erdem Memisyazici this video was the first time we hung out together! After the camera stopped rolling we talked for like an hour haha she’s so cool

[@kristengibson6824]

@@EloraJean does she have a KZbin channel?

[@trel]

This is a great series of vids! Keep up the good work!

[@zaneyone1]

I used to talk to ATC when performing ground maintenance runs on the jets I worked on. I wonder if she ever interacts with mechanics on the ground like I use to do? Sometimes we would interact with Job Control but I preferred to contact the tower requesting radio check and outside air temperature for ground maintenance runs.

[@gabrielagomez6076]

Can you make one of these with someone in the linguistics field

[@aria-vy5ug]

Yes please do this!

[@LC-iw9xc]

wow she looks like kristen stewart

[@KoraTheExplora]

She reminded me of Kristen Stewart

[@anniei5816]

I find these career videos really helpful as i am planning on joining the air force, but i am really interested in what its like to be a pilot there. Please do a pilot career video next!

[@babytalkdee9551]

Hey so, I’m currently in the process of joining the AF. and my recruiter had told me that it’s not possible to hold off on a job when it is offered (even though I know it may only be open for another day or two). Like if I wanted to wait for another job that could be higher on my list or more in my interest. He basically said I have to take the first job that’s offered to me. How true is that?? Because I feel like I’ve seen plenty of people who say they’ve “waited”/denied the first or so job offer. Thanks!

[@EloraJean]

Daniel Gonzalez you can wait! I talk about it a little bit more in my vid about how to talk to a recruiter

[@reyycrayy3985]

saaame... My recruiter is saying I can't choose any job I want because I am going in with a waiver that not even my asvab score can help get a job that I want..and he showed me a small list of highlighted jobs to choose from and he said I had to be willing to choose any of the jobs highlighted but then later once I'm actually in that I can cross train (which won't be probably till my third year -.-) .... I'm just tired of waiting I told him I would take whatever they give me and which would most likely be administrative or something which he suggested he does himself because it's easy. But Idk..

[@babytalkdee9551]

Reyy crayy are you doing the moral waiver?

[@reyycrayy3985]

@@babytalkdee9551 yess.... you mean for criminal history right?

[@katelynrobotham779]

Can you pleaseeeeee please please do one with aircrew flight equipment?! These are so helpful

[@oldhead_]

Loved this! Well done by the both of you..👍🏽

[@ashleeciballos4396]

I know its an old video by my husband is in tech school for ATC right now and im worried about the work-life balance. What's a typical schedule like for an air traffic controller?

[@erinorille2896]

Hi! I love all these videos and I was wondering if there was any chance you could try to do a loadmaster one, it’s the career I’m trying to look at. Thank you!

[@EloraJean]

erin hutchens I don’t have any loadmasters on my base because the aircraft we have doesn’t carry cargo! Sorry I can’t help

[@erinorille2896]

It’s all good! Thanks anyway! It didn’t hurt to try!

[@dedrahylton2412]

these videos are so helpful 😩🙌🏾 can you do like personnel and/or administration? that would be awesomeee.

[@johnbenz4301]

This video helps. I’m interested in joining the Air Force. Been browsing through there jobs. Trying to narrow down the best jobs for myself.

[@twobn2b]

Have you ever considered transferring to 3N0X2? You've got great stage presence and I can definitely see you doing newscasts on AFN

[@EloraJean]

That is such a compliment!! My career field is actually combining into one with X2, we will become X6 SUPER PUBLIC AFFAIRS AIRMEN!!! lol I don't remember what we'll really be called but I'm interested in learning more about the broadcast job for sure

[@gastilt]

I second that :)

[@terezarumph2955]

You can be a civilians a get atc job when the Faa is hiring. The salary is way higher then for AF

[@frozenparodoxbassman]

But the AF it is a great way to gain experience while also serving your country 🇺🇸

[@donald8354]

I imagine arc civilian is more stressful than af arc.

[@maggieposadas2583]

Do a video of active reserve!! And the jobs it offers and post 9/11 GI bill requirements 🤗

[@emmaelizabethhutto4296]

Hello Elora! Thank you so much for posting! I am a fan of your videos, could you please make a video on contracting? Thank you!

[@ashleymedrano8757]

Sooo weird I was totally thinking about this field today and interested, thank you for this video!! Can you do broadcast journalist, cyber surety, or radiology imaging? Thanks!!!!

[@vortex4044]

Have enjoyed and learned a lot watching your videos. Can you do one interviewing someone who works computer systems programming? Can't find a video anywhere on it and overall little info online to that field in the Air Force.

[@jdwilliams2567]

Why does the private sector hate making q&a vids like this?

[@fluffytoaster427]

If anyone’s curious about the Intelligence analysts or Sensor Operators at GF, I can help you get in touch with some people who can talk a bit about their jobs

[@EloraJean]

fluffytoaster427 please DM me on Instagram!

[@gastilt]

I am currently a 1N471A Fusion Analyst with Cyber and Intel background if you need some info (been in 12 years).

[@LordRoyalTee]

My sis did ATC in the Navy. She got out and now works for an airport. She makes about 100k+ a year.

[@nick-yr7wu]

Thank you so much! My recruiter said I qualify for this job and the only reason I was interested in it was because of the salary

[@EloraJean]

The salary isn't large in the Air Force! Only once you move into the civilian sector will you begin to make a substantial amount of money haha

[@KiloEasy]

Man she said the 5s treat the 3s like little siblings. At my facility they treat you more like the red headed step child lol. No matter what training is tough and the biggest thing about it is that you have to have amnesia in a way. You’re going to make a lot of mistakes in this career field and you have to forget about it and learn from it or else you’ll snowball out of control and that’s when you make more mistakes and can get unsat evals and if it continues you can get washed out of the career field.

[@RAINBOJO1]

Excellent, very interesting interview.

[@nathanielmorgan3592]

Could you get an officer on here or at least give your thoughts on that side of it? Thanks for the vids.

[@srivera00]

Please do one with a Pharmacist in the Air Force!! It’s hard to find a lot of info on that.

[@kychapman8818]

This was #1 on my job list. After watching this video, I'll be rethinking that.

[@joestreets9770]

I was a controller for 8 years in the air force. So if you have any questions I can do my best to answer it.

[@kristengibson6824]

@@joestreets9770 Has it been stressful so far?

[@joestreets9770]

@@kristengibson6824 so I will say that in tech school it was stressful only b/c it was such a different of environment and job to learn. And you are required to memorize, learn and execute so much stuff. And then going into the real air traffic world it's also stressful b/c now you are doing the real ATC stuff and talking to real pilots and controlling real aircraft. So I'd say the first year or two are stressful but once you get past that it gets easier.

[@kristengibson6824]

@@joestreets9770 Thank you for responding! Did they give you all the tools and training you needed to feel competent and confident in your job?

[@joestreets9770]

@@kristengibson6824 at tech school they do but it takes alot of work on your part to take what they teach you and really practice it until it's almost like breathing. And into the real air traffic world, some trainers do give you the tools you need but it's even more on your part to learn and study and get into the books. As well as getting into the position you are training in and learning as much as you can and not being scared. You really have to jump in with both feet. If there is something you dont understand you need to ask, the trainers are there to help you but if you dont ask and put in the work then you are setting yourself up for failure. But again you have to put in the effort b/c no one is going to hold your hand. Hope that all makes sense.

[@EM-lz4rb]

Hey Elora great video. Would you be able to interview someone who works in intelligence and or analysis when you get the chance? Thank you.

[@EloraJean]

I'll try!

[@EM-lz4rb]

@@EloraJean thanks!!!

[@xanderalday4585]

Thanks!

[@jaredsteele9736]

I know this is an old video, but i wish she would’ve talked about how long she was in DEP for and how long she had to wait to leave for bmt. Im getting discouraged

[@solofromriverside5758]

I’ve been in DEP since October and just booked this job last week

[@solofromriverside5758]

I leave for BMT may 31st .

[@kaitlinandkyle20]

Hey I’m going to take the air traffic control test very soon and was wondering if she had any advice ?

[@joeljohnson1753]

Hey how did you do on the test? What did it consist of?

[@n-e8799]

Someone in the medical field in general would be super rad to hear from!!

[@EloraJean]

Check out my aerospace medical technician video!

[@ajgay1612]

Finally found a ATC video!!

[@aprila316]

Can you do a video on the female perspective of the OCPs? Would really appreciate it!

[@mandalooh]

I would love a video with an air force nurse. Like how to get the job, and their experiences:)

[@jerrod9009]

This is number 2 on my list after pararescue

[@kinkycrown1]

You should do medical material

[@joestreets9770]

My sister is actually doing this job right now and has been for the last 4 to 5 years. Cant remember exactly, so if you would like to get in contact with her just let me know. :)

[@deehenn]

very helpful video...I to would like this job 👏🤗

[@JPKOODONNELL]

I worked at the airport booking tickets is that the same as air trAffic control? because i was often in the air traffic control room at travis?

[@LloydNance]

merry christmas Elora.

[@EloraJean]

Lloyd Nance thanks, happy holidays!

[@anam-bt9gb]

Thank you so muchhh for this video!!!

[@justus4allus141]

Yayyy happy to see this job thank uuu

[@gennivivecox2879]

Love your vids keep going strong

[@charlie-uz6hf]

not subject related, but i’m in dep right now, and i was wondering if once you’re on base, can you get in trouble if your significant other smokes weed, but you don’t?

[@LC-iw9xc]

even if marijuana is legal in-state, it’s still federally illegal, making it illegal to possess while on base. definitely not a good idea if you’re living on base

[@EloraJean]

You can't get in trouble for your significant other's actions unless they directly impact you or the AF, or if they are on a military installation. If they have weed on their person while being on base and get caught with it, it can reflect on you poorly.

[@emmaweiss2955]

Hi Elora! Thanks for the video! I noticed she said she works 8 hours days, but I've read in other places that ATC does shift work. Do you know if that's based on your level, or if the shift work was just wrong information?

[@EloraJean]

Emma Weiss the way she explained it, lower experienced Airmen work the regular day shifts. Only higher ranking and more experienced sergeants work shifts overnight or swing shifts (3pm-11pm)

[@emmaweiss2955]

@@EloraJean That's great. Thanks for the info! :)

[@joestreets9770]

ATC does do shift work. Where she is at the traffic load is seems to be a little slower therefore the 3 levels work during the day shift (7 to 3) to ensure they get the most traffic possible. And then once you are certified you then begin shift work. So depending on how often the facility is open you will be on shift work. And then depending on that facility it could range from different amount of times on that particular shift. Example would be being on day shift one week then the following week being on swings (3 to 11) then going back to days after that and so on and so forth. Some locations have mid shifts which is 11pm to 7am and the required manning for that varies from location to location, so it's a little tough to explain mid shift scheduling cuz it can be random at times and other times it's a set crew for weeks at a time or days at a time or some other weird combination. Hope that helps. I was a controller for the air force for 8 years.

[@CurlyGirlLife1]

Great info, love it

[@kaleighelizabeth698]

I have never shot guns in my life. How did you experience shooting in BMT or beyond? How much do they make you shoot?

[@EloraJean]

We only actually shot guns one time during BMT, and it was just on a range. Once you're in the operational Air Force you might have to shoot again before you PCS overseas or deploy, but it's not often you *have* to shoot.

[@hannahgullo8439]

Could you possibly do a video with someone in air transportation

[@Roan.bot.]

Dude I haven’t seen a wii in so long! (In the background)

[@justgunn9313]

Hey quick question about joining the Air Force doesn’t really have to with this video but I had like. 2.2 gpa in hs would you say I have a chance? I’ve heard you have to be smart ish because you guys take a lot of test and stuff.

[@EloraJean]

You just need to have a high school diploma, and pass the ASVAB, when it comes to education requirements. You do take tests in the Air Force to rank up and what not but they're not super hard and you can study for all of them

[@yamibow7176]

I'm getting shipped out for basic on February 26th for the role air traffic control apprentice. I was confused when you said you had to do 6 years as I'm doing 4. Am I just being ignorant or am I doing a different job? If so, is there a noticeable difference between jobs? I couldn't find anything online about my job, only about air traffic control in general. Great video in general! * Edit Assistant to Apprentice

[@EloraJean]

Hey there! Soooo...I'm not sure, really. Denise says ATC is a 6-year contract because of the length of training you go through, so I'm not certain why you would get a 4-year contract when the typical is 6. I wish I could answer better, that's strange!

[@joestreets9770]

It's a mandatory 6 years. If you're recruiter messed up the paperwork then you will most likely have to sign a new enlistment in BMT for 6 years, if it is ATC you are thinking of and not some other job. I would maybe go and asked your recruiter to verify so that you are fully aware of what you are getting into.

[@yamibow7176]

Just got in contact with a Sgt over this issue. Apparently they recently lowered the mandatory limit to 4 years. Still very excited!

[@annaherlocker6911]

@@yamibow7176 Air you joining the Air Force? I'm curious because I'm about to sign for Air Traffic Control and I thought it was 6 year contract too, but that is awesome if they changed it to 4.

[@yamibow7176]

Anna Herlocker Yes I ship out tomorrow for a four year contract for ATC

[@AkuaYeboaa]

with taking the test to qualify; are you allowed paper and pencil in the testing room?

[@andrews3545]

I'm 29 and been looking to go in this job recently.

[@kristengibson6824]

I believe you have until 30 or 32 to get a job in ATC

[@andrews3545]

@@kristengibson6824 i thought ATC enlisted had until 39

[@andrews3545]

@@kristengibson6824 then once you're out you already have your ATC license

[@retiredatc4121]

Cool! I left the USAF as a 27270 (old AFSC for an Air Traffic Control Technician - "Seven Level") thirty-nine YEARS ago! I really enjoyed this vid. The six-year commitment - I wonder when they finally did that! Makes a lot more sense in this career field. Your three-level interviewee, Denise, did great and she appears to know her - uh... stuff. I left the Air Force as a crew-chief qualified, NCOIC of Training for a RAPCON and joined the FAA. I retired in 2008. Believe it or not, the FAA made the Air Force look GREAT! But, I will close by thanking Denise, Elora Jean and ALL current or former members of our military for serving under the current (2022) conditions. I was proud of my service, but I'm deeply saddened by what our military has become. So, to all those serving, THANK YOU for hanging in there. You ARE the one percent who stand for those who can't or WON'T stand for themselves. Thank you! IL/Williams AFB GCA IL/McGuire AFB RAPCON IL/Fort Worth ARTCC

[@bnppxkxkw1147]

Love your videos I’m thinking of joining the Air Force and I’m looking at the jobs right now and can you do a video on Dental Assistant, please 💕 🦷

[@HBPrince2012]

you girls are so sweet. Thanks for the video.

[@strawhat7784]

Is vision a problem when you're trying to be a ATC?? Or can you wear glasses as well

[@denisearabie9940]

Kevin Martinez If your vision is at a certain level they will issue you a prescription pair for your use while controlling if you don’t already have a pair. They let you pick the frames too.

[@joestreets9770]

You can wear glasses, and even some level of being color blind, the air force can approve waivers for being color blind.

[@kaylibaraniecki1284]

I don’t think it’s a 6 yr anymore, I was offered 4!

[@tee_savy100]

Don’t be fooled by this video, this job will literally give you anxiety. You’re under a lot of pressure goes in this job.

[@EloraJean]

Thanks for the input!

[@Gregnoxy]

Maybe if you are not great at it.

[@Nanitaaa94]

You never said where she’s living

[@K-ron01]

Do they rank up fast being in that mos

[@malwarematthias9089]

Someone from Aircraft Structural Maintenance would be awesome!

[@frozenparodoxbassman]

I would suggest watching Kyle Gott. If I'm not mistaken that was his job while he was in the AF.

[@donald8354]

The navy has videos on that job.

[@maravue_8253]

What is the average wait time for DEP in this career?

[@BiGsImY]

Do one for Admin! Yeah!

[@BiGsImY]

Wow she is awesome!

[@jesusandico]

Great Video! Love ya ! 💝

[@vanessawilliams4310]

Hey girl can you please do health service admin?

[@looperbbn4007]

Do they see or participate in actual combat? like gunfire type of combat? or is that only for infantry?

[@ryandio8764]

Why would an air traffic controller participate in combat? That isn’t their job

[@looperbbn4007]

Ryan Dio everybody gets deployed, who knows maybe they do see combat.

[@ryandio8764]

Games4U No. Yes, everyone is deployed but there exist combat jobs for a reason. An ATC is going to be in a tower directing air traffic. Only combat focused MOS’s see combat hence their job description

[@looperbbn4007]

Are u in the military?

[@EloraJean]

I asked her this sort of question after the camera wasn't rolling, but basically she said there was a "shredout" for her career field where there are people, boots on the ground. They're basically SERE air traffic controllers, but my impression is you have to work your way into that career field, you can't just sign up for it. I'm not sure how common it would be for them to see actual combat, but it's possible for them to be in 'hostile' environments.

[@itsyaboiiroblox1650]

hey are these in demand right now 2021

[@swiiper809]

Anything on ndi or aircraft metals tech

[@violetann3156]

Do you get paid while you're in tech school and training?

[@felicityberrios6730]

can you do a video on a maintenance job?

[@EloraJean]

I can work to try and get someone who will talk to me!

[@felicityberrios6730]

Elora Jean yess thank you!! Considering enlisting and I’m stuck on what jobs to look at

[@destinyboothe5748]

Can you do someone in dental assisting? 😁

[@bempomaa489]

I got a question,do you need to brilliant in math?

[@djboutidean2393]

no

[@anastasiyazinkina4956]

Not at all lol

[@bempomaa489]

Thanks,because I’m not so good in math and I was wondering myself and bother me that ,how I can do this course in university if you need to really good in maths!

[@agooyong6207]

How about fire protection?

[@yungryu8328]

It says online that you G55 & M55.

[@kandidlykaypea4634]

Hi Elora, could you do cryptolinguist?

[@EloraJean]

I don't have any here! It's a cool job though, if I happen to meet one I'll do my best to snag them.

[@kandidlykaypea4634]

That's good to know. Lmao. My husband want to do that and I do not want to be in ND. 🤣

[@emilyarch6385]

Do you know any pilots you could do a video like this with?

[@EloraJean]

The base I'm at does not have pilots like you're thinking- the pilots we have fly an unmanned aircraft and aren't in the air at all. Maybe I can find a pilot who has flown other aircraft before though!

[@emilyarch6385]

Thank you so much I love your whole channel vibe!

[@michaelott1122]

hey where are you stationed at

[@kiyoko335]

Can you do SERE?

[@rainbowsmera7971]

How many hours you work in a day?

[@twobn2b]

Do Comm next! All they do is just sit around watching videos anyway.

[@EloraJean]

I wouldn't be so sure about that ;)

[@kristengibson6824]

THANK YOU

[@joelthomas5628]

She said tech school is 6 months?

[@joestreets9770]

When I was in tech school it was a 3 to 4 month course as far as counting the days but due to influx of airmen going into the career and classroom sizes it can take 6 months or more to be able to complete the school. While waiting to begin class or while waiting to start the next block of training you will be put onto AFI (awaiting further instructions) and you will basically be doing something else around base until you can start class or your next block of training. Hope that makes sense.

[@szs3699]

What score do you need to score to get this job?

[@szs3699]

Nvm lol the video said it. Jesus I need to be patient.

[@EloraJean]

L o l a F a n y 😂😂

[@anam-bt9gb]

And I love you!!💖💖💖💖

[@Stephdh25]

Cyber surety?☺️

[@strangeclouds_]

I believe now this is a 4 year job

[@aadmzz7428]

pay?

[@djboutidean2393]

around 1800 a month. 2 payments on the first and the 15th of the month

[@maurakelly7303]

queen i love you.

[@injaymusic792]

All I could notice throughout the video is the Wii lol.