EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A program designed to help Airmen E-3 and above and civilians with their career advancement goals was presented at the Eglin Conference Center Jan. 18.
Russell Gray, Air Force Credentialing Opportunities Online director, gave two presentations on the AF COOL program. The initiative replaces the military tuition assistance certification program for enlisted and total-force Airmen seeking career field-related certifications.
Eglin was the first stop on scheduled visits to Air Force bases in the southern Pacific, the U.S. East Coast and Europe through June, according to Gray.
AF COOL is a joint DoD venture that supports White House and National Defense Authorization Act initiatives to provide civilian industry-recognized credentials and licensures to enlisted Airmen.
“This helps them close the gap between what they are trained in during their active duty career and what is expected of them in the civilian sector,” Gray said.
Enlisted Airmen submitting new applications through Air Force COOL can apply for certifications and licensures based on their duty Air Force specialty code, with a lifetime cap of $4,500, Gray said. The cap pays for preparatory courses; books; software; recertification and administrative and application fees.
Airman 1st Class Daniel Torzar, 96th Maintenance Squadron, already has a bachelor’s degree in human biological science and is interested in pursuing a commission. He was glad to know AF COOL’s monetary cap can help pay for more education.
“It’s free money,” said the 26-year-old. “For anyone not planning to stay in the Air Force, the credentials they can get through the program can only benefit them on the outside.”
Senior NCOs are eligible for leadership and management credentialing programs within the lifetime cap, such as Six Sigma (Green Belt) Certification; Professional Manager Certification and Project Management Professional Certification, he added.
AF COOL saved enlisted Airmen more than $150,000 in fiscal year 2015 and more than $1.3 million FY 2016. The program is on track to beat that number in FY 2017, Gray said.
Marine Corps COOL’s officer and Navy COOL’s civilian pilot programs launched this year, according to Gray. If both programs test well, they could be offered to officers and civilians by fiscal year 2018.
Lisa Splinter, education services officer, liked how AF COOL complements the Air Force’s career growth guidelines.
"AF COOL is an incredible opportunity for our Airmen, and it ties into the Transition Military Life Cycle,” she said. “While on active duty, Airmen can gain credentials and put them to use during his/her career for the benefit to self and the Air Force. What better way to be ready to transition out of the military than with a credential that has been put to use over time? I believe this will make a veteran stand out to potential employers. We encourage all Airmen to take advantage of AF COOL."