Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) is a DoD resource that matches military occupations to civilian certifications, licenses and apprenticeships and points to ways to earn them. Each service runs its own COOL site. The DoD COOL portal is the single front door to all of them.
What it is
From cool.osd.mil
COOL is an information resource for service members. Credentials, tests and training materials come from the credentialing organizations, and funding rules come from your branch.
Who qualifies
Funding and eligibility are branch-specific. Examples from official branch pages:
- Army: active duty Soldiers are eligible for Credentialing Assistance after Basic Combat Training, and requests go through ArmyIgnitED. [myarmybenefits.us.army.mil, effective March 19, 2026 changes noted]
- Air Force: AF COOL is for enlisted Air Force and Space Force members, with a 5-skill level, supervisor approval and a profile in the Air Force Virtual Education Center. The credential has to be finished while on active duty. [myairforcebenefits.us.af.mil]
- Marine Corps: MARADMIN 111/26 says funding is first-come, first-served for active duty Marines, Selected Marine Corps Reserve members and Marines on active duty operational support orders. [maradmins.com]
The timing that matters
- Army requests are submitted at least 45 business days before the course or exam start. [myarmybenefits.us.army.mil]
- Air Force funding applies to credentials completed on active duty. [myairforcebenefits.us.af.mil]
- Funding is limited and can run out in a fiscal year. Check your branch page for the current amounts. Loona doesn't quote them.
Questions worth asking before you sign up
- Does my branch's COOL funding cover my rank and my status?
- Which credential do employers near where I'm headed list in their job postings?
- Can I finish the exam before my separation date, and what do I owe back if I don't pass?
Official sources
Where Loona One fits
Loona One's translator shows civilian job titles for your military job. Your Career Record keeps the credential you pick next to your separation date.
Last checked Oct 30, 2026. Rules change. Confirm on the official page before you act.
Keep your transition organized in one place.
Loona One works alongside TAP, your transition office and veteran nonprofits so you can plan between appointments and on your own time.
Loona One is an independent product from Loona LLC, a Florida business. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the DoD, the VA or any military branch. This page is general information. The program decides who qualifies.