AF COOL roadshow introduces new education assistance program

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gaddie
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Team Eglin was introduced to a new program that will help Airmen E-3 and above with their career advancement goals and beyond, at the enlisted hall here, Sept. 16.

Russell Gray, Air Force Credentialing Opportunities Online director; and Jason Smith, Community College of the Air Force Credentialing Programs director, gave a presentation on the new AF COOL program.  The new initiative replaces the military tuition assistance certification program for enlisted and total-force Airmen seeking career field-related certifications.

Eglin was the second stop on a four-base visit that included Tyndall and Keesler Air Force Bases, and Hurlburt Field.

Gray and Smith highlighted key program benefits and educated both junior grade and senior leaders on the merits of utilizing the education initiative.

"Education has become the center for our Airmen's future," Gray said.  "AF COOL provides the edge Airmen need to be successful in recruitment, retention, readiness, and eventually transition into the civilian workforce. Why not prepare them now with the tools they will need to be effective and productive citizens in the future?"

Enlisted Airmen submitting new applications through Air Force COOL will be able to apply for certifications based on their duty Air Force specialty code, with a lifetime cap of $4,500.

"AF COOL gives Airmen the opportunity to use military funding to pay for credentials that are applicable to their career field," said David Morey, an Eglin Education Center education specialist.  "Whether the Airman leaves the Air Force in four years or stays for 20, those credentials can help them with their transition to the civilian sector."

Senior NCOs are eligible for leadership and management credentialing programs within the lifetime cap, such as Project Management Professional Certification; Professional Manager Certification and Six Sigma (Green Belt) Certification.

Staff Sgt. Robert Leggett, a 96th Maintenance Group member working toward a bachelor's degree in business management, said AF COOL is a great way to continue preparing for his future.

"AF COOL can provide me with another opportunity to set myself apart and to set my future up," he said.  "Right now, I'm currently deciding how I want to continue my education and my Air Force career.  AF COOL is one avenue I can take advantage of to set myself up."

Morey said AF COOL falls in line with the Military Life Cycle Model, which is designed to help an Airman to start preparing themselves for the eventual transition to the civilian world, from day one.

"Airmen who wait for tomorrow to achieve these tools may very well miss the mark," said Smith. "An Airman doesn't have to stay in the same job type in the future just because they obtain a primary AFSC credential now, however, the completion of that credential shows the Airman is hungry to learn and is trainable."

For more information, visit the Air Force COOL section of the Air Force Virtual Education Center website here.