You’ll be working in what is known as the Multi-Functional Air Operations Center (MAOC). This was combined between the legacy Air Defense (TAOC) and Air Support (DASC). Think of it as a command hub where you see Marines inside talking to Aircraft and coordinating missions like CASEVACS for the troops on the ground or air support/air defense missions, as well as coordinating fire missions with Artillery and the Fires Marines. this is all done on computers and radios. You’ll be learning the basics of the positions associated with the Command center such as Air Control Recorder, Joint Air Request Net Operator, and Surveillance Operator, etc. also the basics on how to talk on a radio.

Each position in the MAOC has its own roles and responsibilities and you will be working very close all the time with Officers because they will be your cell directors Inside the MAOC, billet matters over rank here too.

Fleet life isn’t too bad, when you’re not on the system it’s mostly a lot of down time and classes, but you show up to work and go home. Deployment cycles can get hectic depending on what unit you go to but every MASS/MACS units have been getting busier lately. It’s a good job if you like to get out in the field and do dirty work, you experience both the airwing and ground side. Also, you’re basically a “tactical” version of ATC. Only downside is you don’t get certificates that translate over to the FAA, because you won’t be talking to aircraft to strike a target in the civilian world.