Talon (T38)
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Human Factors
Aircraft X was given clearance for an initial to AMA at 055 by Approach Control. Aircraft X readback the altitude correctly. Approach Control told Aircraft X to switch to Tower and report 5 mile initial. Before Aircraft X called Tower; he descended to 050 on his own. Aircraft X called Tower approximately 5 miles from the runway and reported the 5 mile initial. Aircraft X became a direct conflict with Aircraft Y who was turning right base to Runway 22 also at 050. Tower advised Aircraft X that initial altitude was 055 and to climb immediately to avoid Aircraft Y. Aircraft X passed over the top of Aircraft Y. Aircraft X was given the left break at the departure end of the runway. Aircraft Y did a touch and go then proceeded into the right closed traffic pattern. Aircraft Z was given the visual approach to Runway 22 and shipped to Tower approximately 8 miles out. Aircraft Z was given a landing clearance by Tower for Runway 22. Aircraft X entered the left downwind for Runway 22 left closed traffic pattern at 055. Tower advised Aircraft X that the traffic pattern is 050 and descended him to that altitude. Tower issued traffic to Aircraft X about Aircraft Z and vise versa. Aircraft Z reported the T38 in sight and was is told to maintain visual with the traffic. Tower then told Aircraft X to turn right to 090 degrees and maintain 050 for the Aircraft Z traffic. Aircraft X declined the vector and declared minimum fuel. Tower tells Aircraft X another two times to turn right to 090 degrees and maintain 050 for the traffic but Aircraft X declines both vectors & says he is turning left to 220 degrees to land. Tower declared emergency fuel for Aircraft X; told Aircraft Z to turn right to 270 degrees to avoid Aircraft X. Aircraft Z was now heading 270 degrees at 050. Aircraft Y was in the right downwind approaching Aircraft Z also at 050. Tower advised Aircraft Y to climb immediately to 060 for traffic and issued a traffic alert. Tower advised Aircraft Y twice to climb because his data block read that he was at 051. Aircraft Y stated after the traffic alert that he is level at 060 even through the data block still read 051. All three aircraft landed without incident.
AMA Controller described a VFR pattern conflict when an inbound military aircraft failed to comply with published/assigned 'initial procedure' altitudes resulting in a conflict with traffic on base.