JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- 
The Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line program, or AF COOL, allows Airmen to earn an industry-recognized certification or license that may also be valuable to civilian employers. The AF COOL program was designed to smooth the process for Airmen transitioning out of the military, but has now been made available to all enlisted airmen, including reservists and Guardsmen under certain circumstances.
“Our Guard and Reserve members will benefit from this program by being able to return to the civilian sector and present these advanced skill sets to their employers,” said Russell Grey, director of AF COOL, “possibly garnering them pay advances and promotion potential.”
Currently reservists must be on Title 10 or Title 31 502(f) orders before they can apply for the program, although this requirement is something that the AF COOL program is trying to change.
The AF COOL program allows all Airmen, whether active duty, Guard or Reserve, to attain civilian certificates and licenses that would usually be paid for out of pocket. A unique part about the AF COOL program is the certificates or licenses that you would like to pursue do not have to be associated with your current Air Force specialty code. Throughout your lifetime you are allotted 4,500 dollars total to go toward any certificate offered through the COOL program. This program covers application and administrative fees, prep-materials and recertification fees. Even if you fail, you are not required to pay back the money used, but you do have to submit your grades to the AF COOL program, pass or fail.
If you would like more information, visit the AF COOL website https://afvec.langley.af.mil/afvec/Public/COOL/ located within the Air Force Virtual Education Center.