Marine Corps MOS · Aviation
7240 Tactical Air Control Operator
Overview
A Tactical Air Control Operator provides air command and control by managing assigned forces and air operations through voice and data communications, tactical data links, and radar systems. The operator directs aircraft, conducts airspace surveillance and control, coordinates electronic warfare, aerial reconnaissance, and aerial refueling missions, and processes immediate requests for close air support, casualty evacuation, medical evacuation, and assault support.
Minimum clearance: Secret
Core Skills
- airspace and asset tracking
- command and control systems operation
- tactical data link operations
- radar and sensor monitoring
- radio and voice communications control
- incident and mission logging
- real-time decision support
- situational awareness in high tempo ops
- briefing and debriefing skills
- team coordination in command centers
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Access
- Linux
Civilian Career Paths
- Air Traffic Control
- Aviation Management
- Telecommunications
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Air Traffic Control Tower Operator (CTO)
- Aircraft Dispatcher
- Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa) · Funded
Career Growth
- FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) · Funded
- Flight Navigator
- GMDSS Radio Operator License (DO)
Also Common
- General Communications Technician: Level 1 (GCT1)
What the Work Involves
- Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.
- 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.
- Implement airfield safety procedures to ensure a safe operating environment for personnel and aircraft operation.
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 7240. Each legacy page documents the cited history.
Similar Specialties
1Z2X1
Combat Control
Air Force
H03A
Tactical Support Communications (TSCOMM) Operator
Navy
14G
Air Defense (AD) Battle Management System Operator
Army
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
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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