NEC
W18A
ASW/SUW Tactical Air Controller (ASTAC)
A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.
Description
Duties include basic air control, emergency procedures, pre-launch/launch procedures, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) mission planning, ASW sonobuoy passive and active localization and re-detection, passive and active tracking, attack and re-attack, relief on station, dipping procedures and tactics, Surface Warfare (SUW) search and employment, Over-the-Horizon Targeting (OTH-T), Strike Coordination and Reconnaissance (SCAR), Fleet Air Defense Identification Zone (FADIZ) controller and Redcrown, Maritime Air Controller (MAC) duties and procedures, conducting pilots mission brief, Maritime Patrol Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) mission planning, MPRA ASW/SUW and Surface Search Coordination (SSC).
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
Common Certifications
- FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist Certification
- FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- FEMA Emergency Management Institute Certifications
Civilian Career Paths
- AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
- AVIATION MANAGEMENT
Training & Development
Getting Started
- FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist Certification
- FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate
- CompTIA Security+
- FEMA Incident Command System Courses
Career Growth
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
Similar Specialties
D17A
LHA/LHD Flight Deck Aircraft Director
Navy
F06A
Amphibious Air Traffic Control Center Controller
Navy
F08A
Carrier Air Traffic Control Center (CATCC) Operator
Navy
F10A
Rated Carrier Air Traffic Control Center (CATCC) Controller
Navy
F11A
Rated Amphibious Air Traffic Control Center (AATCC) Controller
Navy
F12A
Rated Tactical Air Control Center (TACC) Controller
Navy
Data sourced from official Navy publications and public military occupational references. Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.