The Army Owes You $2000: How To Use Your Army CA Benefits

The U.S. Army’s Credentialing Assistance (CA) program, operating under the broader Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) initiative, represents one of the most valuable career advancement opportunities available to military personnel today. As cyber threats continue to evolve and the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals reaches unprecedented levels, the Army CA program provides $2,000 to eligible soldiers with direct pathways to industry-recognized certifications that translate into high-paying civilian careers.

Cyberkraft is an approved vendor for the Army CA program. We offer training and certification programs in cybersecurity that can be funded through CA, helping soldiers gain skills and credentials for in-demand careers. The CA program supports funding for courses and exams leading to industry-recognized credentials, including those in cybersecurity such as Security+, CEH, and CISSP.

Understanding the Army CA Program

The Army Credentialing Assistance program helps soldiers earn civilian credentials that directly contribute to their professional development and prepare soldiers for meaningful employment after they transition from military service. Army CA is entirely voluntary and available to all soldiers (Active Duty, ARNG, USAR) of all ranks (Enlisted, NCO, Officer, Warrant Officer). A big change to the program is that Commissioned Officers and Warrant Officers will no longer incur a service obligation by using CA.

Unlike traditional education benefits, CA funding is specifically allocated for industry certifications, licenses, and credentials that have immediate value in the workplace. The program covers up to $2,000 per fiscal year for eligible soldiers, making it an incredibly cost-effective way to advance professionally while serving. Soldiers can earn up to three credentials per 10 years of service (not including recertifications) and a maximum of three credentials over 10 years

The COOL website serves as the central hub for this program, providing detailed information about which certifications align with specific Army MOSs, certification requirements, and approved training providers, including Cyberkraft. Soldiers can select any credential in Army COOL if the CA Program has a vendor that sells the credential exam.

Prior to using Army CA for the first time, Soldiers, regardless of rank, must access MILGEARS explorer and upload their MILGEARS results into ArmyIgniteED. There are also application deadlines that are required in order to be approved by Army CA and Cyberkraft can walk you through the entire process.

For cybersecurity professionals and those looking to transition into the field, this program offers unparalleled opportunities to gain credentials from leading organizations like CompTIA, (ISC)² and EC-Council.

Eligibility Requirements For Army CA

Soldiers must meet specific eligibility criteria to participate in the CA program, including:

You must have a CAC card
You must not have any flags (no holds or suspensions on your account
You must meet the eligibility requirements as required by the Credentialling Agency
NLT 31 days prior to ETS date (your completion memo must be uploaded before ETS

Most Requested Cybersecurity Certifications in Army CA

Based on industry demand and career advancement potential, several cybersecurity certifications consistently rank as the most requested through the Army CA program:

CompTIA Security+ remains the foundation certification for military cybersecurity professionals. Required for many Department of Defense positions, Security+ covers essential security concepts, risk management, and compliance requirements. This certification serves as the baseline for most cybersecurity roles and is often the first step for soldiers transitioning from other MOSs into cybersecurity fields.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) from EC-Council has gained tremendous popularity among Army personnel interested in offensive security and penetration testing. This certification teaches soldiers how to think like malicious hackers, enabling them to better defend their organizations’ networks and systems. The hands-on nature of CEH training appeals to many military professionals who prefer practical, mission-focused learning.

CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) from (ISC)² represents the gold standard for cybersecurity management and leadership roles. While requiring significant experience, CISSP certification opens doors to senior-level positions with substantial salary increases. Many Army officers and senior enlisted personnel pursue CISSP as they prepare for leadership roles in cybersecurity.

CompTIA CySA+ focuses on threat detection, analysis, and response. These skills directly align with many Army cybersecurity positions. This certification bridges the gap between foundational security knowledge and advanced threat-hunting capabilities, making it highly valuable for soldiers in cyber operations roles.

The Growing Demand for Military Cybersecurity Professionals

The cybersecurity skills gap continues to widen, with 3.5 million unfilled positions worldwide in 2025. Military personnel possess unique advantages in this market, including security clearances, disciplined work ethics, and experience operating under pressure. However, translating military cybersecurity experience into civilian credentials requires strategic certification planning.

Employers increasingly recognize the value of hiring veterans with both military experience and industry certifications. The combination of operational security experience and validated technical skills makes Army cybersecurity professionals highly sought after in sectors including defense contracting, financial services, healthcare, and critical infrastructure protection.

How Cyberkraft Maximizes Your Army CA Benefits

At Cyberkraft, we specialize in helping military personnel navigate the Army CA program to achieve maximum career impact. As an Army Veteran-owned company, our approach combines a deep understanding of military career transitions with cutting-edge cybersecurity training methodologies.

Tailored Certification Pathways: We work with each soldier to develop personalized certification roadmaps based on their current MOS, career goals, and available CA funding. Rather than pursuing random certifications, we help create a strategic plan that aligns with your specific career objectives.

Accelerated Learning Programs: Understanding the unique time constraints faced by active-duty personnel, our training programs are designed for efficiency without sacrificing depth. We utilize adaptive learning technologies, hands-on labs, and real-world scenarios that resonate with military experience.

CA Program Navigation: The Army CA application process can be complex, with specific requirements and deadlines that vary by certification and training provider. Our team guides soldiers through every step, from initial applications to exam scheduling and renewal planning.

Post-Certification Career Support: Earning certifications is just the beginning. We provide ongoing career coaching, resume optimization, and interview preparation specifically tailored for military professionals transitioning to civilian cybersecurity roles.

Flexible Training Delivery: Recognizing the unpredictable nature of military schedules, we offer multiple training formats including self-paced online modules, virtual instructor-led sessions, and intensive boot camps that can accommodate deployments, exercises, and duty requirements.

Maximizing Your Investment

The Army CA program represents an exceptional opportunity to invest in your future while serving your country. With proper planning and the right training partner, soldiers can earn multiple high-value certifications throughout their military careers, building a credential portfolio worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Success in the Army CA program requires understanding which certifications provide the best return on investment for your specific career goals, timing certification attempts to align with CA funding cycles, and choosing a training provider, like Cyberkraft, who understands your unique needs.

Take the Next Step Today

The intersection of military service and cybersecurity presents unprecedented career opportunities. The Army CA program provides the funding, and industry demand provides the incentive. What’s needed is strategic planning and expert guidance to navigate this landscape effectively.

At Cyberkraft, we’re committed to helping Army personnel transform their cybersecurity potential into career-defining credentials. Our proven track record with service members, combined with our deep industry expertise, makes us the ideal partner for maximizing your Army CA benefits.

Contact Cyberkraft today to take your cybersecurity career to the next level. We’ll walk you through our Army CA-approved programs and help you achieve your certification goals while serving your country.