Published Aug 6, 2026, 5:00 AM EDT
A DOD IG report warns that shortages of civilian air traffic controllers are having nefarious effects across the armed forces.
Follow
Published Aug 6, 2026, 5:00 AM EDT
A recent Department of Defense Inspector General (DOD IG) report warns that "military readiness" is being negatively impacted as issues like salary disparity and poor classification standards have resulted in the inability to hire and retain military air traffic controllers (ATCs). The report, published July 17, conveys not just a staffing shortage but broader concerns revolving around DOD's methods for classifying, compensating and managing civilian air traffic controllers, which have been described as outdated and inconsistent. The IG found that shortages of civilian air traffic controllers are reducing ATC services, limiting operating hours, decreasing pilot training opportunities and delaying overseas operations, tying staffing directly to national defense priorities. Arguably the biggest concern causing such disparities is compensation. The report cites RAND research showing that DOD controllers earn substantially less than FAA controllers, making recruitment and retention extremely difficult. The report states that the average FAA average compensation is approximately $161,000 while average DOD compensation is approximately $113,000. That represents a 43% pay gap, which may provide further insight into why roughly 35% of Air Force controller departures leave for FAA positions.
