Navy NEC · Aviation
W18A ASW/SUW Tactical Air Controller (ASTAC)
A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.
Overview
An ASW/SUW Tactical Air Controller conducts basic air control, handles emergency and launch procedures, and plans Anti-Submarine Warfare missions. The controller coordinates localization, tracking, attack, Surface Warfare searches, targeting, reconnaissance, pilot briefs, and maritime patrol aircraft missions.
Core Skills
- antisubmarine warfare control
- surface warfare coordination
- sonobuoy localization
- maritime patrol planning
- aircraft mission control
- target tracking
- tactical aircrew briefing
- over the horizon targeting
- maritime communications
- air defense identification
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
- Aviation Management
Training & Development
Getting Started
- FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate
- FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
Career Growth
- FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist Certification
- Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
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
- Security Managers
- Airfield Operations Specialists
- Commercial Pilots
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a four-year degree or equivalent experience.
Similar Specialties
D17A
LHA/LHD Flight Deck Aircraft Director
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F06A
Amphibious Air Traffic Control Center Controller
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F08A
Carrier Air Traffic Control Center (CATCC) Operator
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F10A
Rated Carrier Air Traffic Control Center (CATCC) Controller
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F11A
Rated Amphibious Air Traffic Control Center (AATCC) Controller
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F12A
Rated Tactical Air Control Center (TACC) Controller
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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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