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Free money? Airmen learn how to get certification benefits through AF COOL program

  • Published
  • By Kimberley Woodruff
  • Staff Writer
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Want some free money? How about professional credentials to help you further your career?

Airmen who attended the Air Force Credential Opportunities Online, or AF COOL, presentation last week at the Tinker Club learned how to get that free money, capped at $4,500, for credentials to go along with their Air Force career.

The Air Force will pay for a professional credential to help active duty military members further their careers not only while they are active duty, but also once their Air Force time is complete.

Russell Gray, the COOL program director, was on base to show Airmen how to use the COOL website and to explain how the program works. He said by having professional credentials in the civilian world after separation, it will provide the qualifications often needed to compete for civilian jobs.

"Sixty percent of employers say they don't want to hire veterans because they have no idea about what you do," said Mr. Gray. "Employers don't know what a 1206 is or what the acronyms on the EPR are and they have no clue what you do. Licenses and credentials are the wave of the future for the enlisted corps."

Mr. Gray also said credentials could still play an important part in Air Force retention. Because the Air Force is getting smaller, it could come down to keeping just those who are well trained and going above and beyond their day-to-day job.

COOL is open to active duty Air Force members of any component -- regular Air Force, Reserves and National Guard -- E-3 and above who possess a five-skill level in an Air Force Specialty Code mapped to the credential. Members of the Reserves or National Guard must be on Title 10 or Title 32 active orders for the duration of the COOL process.

Mr. Gray urged everyone to use the COOL funding first before using any GI bill funds. He said Airmen who use their GI bill to pay for just one day of testing have already used 30 days of their GI bill, so use COOL first.

The program will pay for administration fees, credentials and licensing, as well as pay for books and study materials. According to Mr. Gray, close to $600,000 has been paid out so far.

Don't leave free money lying on the table. For more information on Air Force COOL, call (334) 649-5115, visit https://afvec.langley.af.mil/afvec/Public/COOL, or email ccaf.cool@us.af.mil. The Tinker education office can also help answer questions. Call 739-7408 for more information.