I've had a life changing event that will keep me out of the military for at least two years and most likely for the rest of my life.

I've looked at a few different career paths and someone suggested to me that I look into being an air traffic controller.

I've dug a little, but I'm a little confused on the requirements-is a college degree a prerequisite?  Some say yes, others say no.  I have a year left, but now that I'm not getting any help from Uncle Sam, I'm working FT to pay for college and it's going to take a while to finish...

Anyways, any info would be appreciated, even if it's someone you know of who went to ATC school.

Do they like it?
How long did it take them to get hired?
What are the prerequisites?
etc

I already have heard that it is a high stress job that pays well, but that's about all I know other than the inherently obvious details.

Thanks again for taking the time to read/answer

I would start here:  www.faa.gov/jobs/job_opportunities/airtraffic_controllers/

If you haven't already, that is.  Good luck!

My best friend's dad was an air traffic controller for a while. I don't know a whole lot, but FWIW, be prepared for wierd hours, stressful (and relatively boring) work, and big paychecks. I remember there being a pretty big shortage of them a few years ago, so they were paying big bucks to entice more people to go into that line of work. Don't know if that's still the situation today.

Ihave know idea what is keeping you out of the military, but ATC guys are required to maintain a 2nd Class FAA medical cert.  This is the same medical that commercial pilots are required to have.  

Just a thought.

Good luck with what ever you deceide to do.

I am being denied a commission into the army because I was diagnosed with testicular cancer on the 15th of December, 2005.  I have since been treated; two operations, no chemo and no radiation.  I am under surveillance now, but it is unlikely that it will come back.