USAW Credentials Now Eligible Through U.S. Army Credentialing Assistance Program

COLORADO SPRINGS - USA Weightlifting is proud to announce that the Weightlifting Training Specialist (WTS) credential has been officially approved as part of the U.S. Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) program. This approval enables eligible soldiers in the Army, National Guard, and Army Reserve to use Army CA funding to pursue the WTS credential or its prerequisite training, the USAW Level 1 Coach course. These opportunities support soldiers’ professional and personal development both during their military careers and beyond.

The Army CA program provides active-duty, Reserve, and National Guard soldiers with funding to earn industry-recognized credentials that enhance their skills, increase readiness, and prepare them for success after service. By making USAW courses available through Army CA, soldiers now can strengthen their knowledge in Olympic weightlifting—a discipline that builds resilience, improves strength and mobility, and directly supports physical readiness.

“We are thrilled to be able to serve military personnel through the Army Credentialing Assistance program,” said Dr. Anna Swisher, USAW Director of Coach Development and Sport Science. “Over the years, many soldiers have asked about funding options for the USAW Level 1 course. This approval allows us to meet that demand, support their professional growth, and give back to those who serve our country by equipping them with valuable tools they can use to improve themselves and others through weightlifting.”

The USAW Level 1 Coach course, which serves as the prerequisite training for the WTS credential, equips participants with evidence-based instruction on Olympic lifting technique, safe and effective programming, and hands-on coaching strategies. These skills are particularly valuable for soldiers who lead physical training, coach, or aspire to pursue careers in fitness and sport performance after their service.

The WTS credential builds on that foundation to prepare coaches, trainers, and fitness professionals to integrate Olympic-style weightlifting into strength and conditioning programs. Soldiers can elect to complete only the USAW Level 1 training (while listing the WTS as their training goal) or they can pursue the WTS credential if they have completed the prerequisite training.

Soldiers like Jessie Boicourt have already seen the benefits of combining Army CA resources with USAW education.

“Using the Army CA program to take the USAW Level 1 course was an incredible opportunity,” Boicourt said. “I learned from some of the best coaches in the field while surrounded by an inspiring community of athletes and was able to apply what I learned right away. The course sharpened my technique and gave me the tools to continuously improve myself and the athletes I work with. While the process required some forward planning with Army CA funding, it was straightforward and absolutely worth it.”

The inclusion of USA Weightlifting credentials in the Army CA program underscores USAW’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality education while supporting military personnel in their pursuit of excellence in strength, performance, and leadership.

For more information about the USA Weightlifting Training Specialist credential in the Army Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL), please visit here.  To begin enrollment through the Army CA program, please visit Army IgnitED here. For a detailed process of how to apply for training or credential funding, please visit the USAW WTS webpage. For questions, please reach out to education@usaweightlifting.org.