Air Force AFSC · Combat & Infantry
1Z2X1 Combat Control
Overview
A combat controller establishes air control and provides combat support while attached to special forces teams in remote and often hostile areas. This specialist serves as an FAA-certified air traffic controller and trains in scuba, parachuting, and snowmobiling.
Minimum clearance: Secret
See if you would hit this score: free ASVAB practice test
Skill levels: 1Z211 helper · 1Z231 apprentice · 1Z251 journeyman · 1Z271 craftsman
Core Skills
- radio communications procedures
- tactical data reporting
- airspace coordination
- air traffic control fundamentals
- mission planning and deconfliction
- situational awareness
- risk assessment and mitigation
- map reading and digital navigation
- use of secure communications
- time-critical decision making
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Civilian Career Paths
- Air Traffic Control
- Telecommunications
- Project Management
- Training and Education
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
- Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)
- Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
- Certified GIS/LIS Technologist
- Certified Mapping Scientist, GIS/LIS
Career Growth
- Certified Mapping Scientist, Remote Sensing
- Certified Personal Trainer - Exercise Fitness Specialist (CPT-EFS)
- Certified Photogrammetric Technologist
- Certified Photogrammetrist
- Certified Remote Sensing Technologist
What the Work Involves
- Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.
- Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions.
- Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations.
- Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.
- Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties.
Related Occupations
- Commercial Pilots
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
Formerly Known As (Legacy)
Retired codes that converted into 1Z2X1. Each legacy page documents the cited history.
Similar Specialties
7240
Tactical Air Control Operator
Marine Corps
H03A
Tactical Support Communications (TSCOMM) Operator
Navy
V05B
Air Traffic Control Communications Technician
Navy
V80A
AN/SSC-12 Shipboard Air Traffic Control Communications (SATCC) Technician
Navy
V83B
AN/SSC-13 Shipboard Air Traffic Control Communications (SATCC) Technician
Navy
V34B
Shipboard Air Traffic Control (SATC) Radar Maintenance Technician Pipeline II
Navy
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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