I read the “help choosing a career” thread and figured I would start a new one instead of hijacking that one. My younger brother(17 yrs) has been considering joining the Air Force as a pathway to become an air traffic controller and was wondering what would be the steps. Would some one in this line of work be deployed? If so what would the deployment entail combat wise? Seeing combat isnot something that would deter him from joining this is just something that worries me.
Why don’t you ask the air force of whatever country you are from?
I recall reading somewhere that 100% of USAF recruits join under don’t ask, don’t tell. Have him join the USMC and he won’t have to worry anymore about the whole ‘will combat happen thing?’. That question will be promptly resolved.
(On the off-chance you’re fragile, easily offended, or otherwise a girly-man, I kid. As a Marine, I must seize the opportunity and it’s all in good fun)
Whenever a Marine gets mouthy, just remind him who signs his paycheck:
Department of the NAVY. 
[quote]biglifter wrote:
I recall reading somewhere that 100% of USAF recruits join under don’t ask, don’t tell. Have him join the USMC and he won’t have to worry anymore about the whole ‘will combat happen thing?’. That question will be promptly resolved.
(On the off-chance you’re fragile, easily offended, or otherwise a girly-man, I kid. As a Marine, I must seize the opportunity and it’s all in good fun)[/quote]
S’all good. At least we can count to 21 without taking off our boots and pulling down our pants.
OP, the best bet is to talk to a recruiter. Just remember, the AF doesn’t gaurantee jobs out of basic. You can try like hell while you’re in MEPS, but Big Blue will put you where he needs you.
Air traffic controllers have an important and highly stressful job in the airforce. I’ve no idea about his chances of getting deployed but if he was sent some where in that career he’d be most likely doing his job then convoys or what ever else. I’m in the airforce but am not an air traffic controller so I can’t tell you any specifics.
Though the one thing I’ve been told across the board is that the job is stressful as all hell, but when you get out of the military you’ll have the skills to be a civilian one and make bank. If he wants the job get him to ask the local recruiter and he should be able to help him along the way.
I have a friend in the AF I can ask for you. I think, in terms of combat, the only ones who really are “down in it” are the CCT’s, but again, I’ll ask to be sure. I also had friends at Daniel Webster College who did AFROTC while pursuing their ATC/Aviation management degree, so maybe check out that route as well?