The Air Force Career Intermission Program (CIP) offers a unique opportunity for dedicated Airmen to temporarily step away from their active duty commitments. Established by the Department of Defense, this program allows service members to transfer to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) for a period of one to three years. This intermission isn’t a career dead-end; instead, it’s a strategic pause designed to allow Airmen to pursue personal or professional goals outside of their military service, with a guaranteed pathway back to active duty. While the program has been available since 2014, it remains a valuable, yet perhaps underutilized, option for Airmen in 2023 seeking greater work-life balance and unique growth opportunities.
Understanding the Air Force Career Intermission Program (CIP)
For many in the Air Force, the commitment to service is paramount, but life sometimes presents opportunities or necessities that require a temporary shift in focus. The CIP is structured to accommodate these situations, recognizing that investing in the personal well-being and diverse experiences of Airmen can ultimately strengthen the force.
What is CIP?
The Career Intermission Program is a Department of Defense initiative that enables eligible active-duty service members to take a temporary break in service, ranging from one to three years. During this period, participants are transferred to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). This is not a separation from the military; it’s a temporary reassignment that allows Airmen to pursue endeavors outside of their daily military roles while maintaining a connection to the Air Force and a clear path for return.
The program is designed to be flexible, catering to a variety of needs. Whether an Airman wishes to further their education, spend time with family, explore a different career field, or simply recharge and gain new perspectives, CIP provides the framework to do so without sacrificing their military career entirely.
Benefits of CIP Participation
Participating in the Career Intermission Program comes with several significant benefits, demonstrating the Air Force’s commitment to supporting its members even during their time away from active duty:
- Medical and Dental Benefits: Participants and their eligible dependents retain full medical and dental benefits throughout their intermission period. This ensures continuous healthcare coverage and peace of mind for families.
- Exchange and Commissary Privileges: CIP participants can continue to utilize the Exchange and Commissary, providing access to affordable goods and services, similar to active-duty personnel.
- Monthly Stipend: To further ease the transition and provide financial support, participants receive a monthly stipend equivalent to one-fifteenth of their basic pay. While not a full salary replacement, this stipend provides a helpful financial bridge during the intermission.
These benefits highlight that CIP is not just a break from service, but a supported and structured opportunity designed to ensure the well-being of Airmen and their families while they pursue personal or professional development.
Maj. Sandra Walker’s CIP Experience: A Missileer’s Perspective
While the Career Intermission Program is open to all eligible Air Force members, stories of those who have successfully utilized it offer invaluable insights. One such example is Maj. Sandra Walker, an assistant director of operations for the 321st Missile Squadron at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. Maj. Walker’s experience provides a compelling real-world illustration of the program’s benefits and potential.
The Decision to Take Intermission
Maj. Walker’s journey with CIP began in 2016 when her husband, an active-duty helicopter pilot, was presented with a unique opportunity for an immersion program with the German Air Force. This exciting opportunity, however, presented a geographical challenge for their family. Relocation to Germany would mean limited career options for Maj. Walker near her husband’s assignment, and they were also expecting their first child.
Faced with these significant life changes, Maj. Walker began researching the Career Intermission Program as a potential solution. CIP offered the possibility of living closer to her family in Germany, allowing her to be more present during her daughter’s early years, and fully support her husband’s career advancement. After careful consideration and family discussions, they decided CIP was the right path forward.
Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions
Despite the clear benefits for her family, Maj. Walker faced skepticism from some who questioned her decision to utilize CIP. Concerns about career stagnation and being “out of sight, out of mind” were voiced. However, Maj. Walker held a different perspective. She viewed CIP not as a career derailment, but as a strategic career extension. As she explained, taking time for personal priorities simply delays retirement, and the experiences gained during the intermission can ultimately make an Airman even more valuable upon return.
Maj. Walker’s proactive approach to career planning is evident in her advice to others considering CIP. She emphasizes the importance of understanding promotion timelines and professional military education requirements. Open communication with squadron leadership and mentors is crucial to ensure a smooth transition into and out of the program, aligning personal goals with career milestones.
Life During CIP: Family Time and Personal Growth
In 2018, Maj. Walker began her career intermission. This period allowed her to dedicate time to raising her daughters, experience a more relaxed second pregnancy and postpartum period, and focus on personal growth. She engaged in extensive reading and running, activities that contributed to her overall well-being and personal development.
Maj. Walker highlights the flexibility of CIP, emphasizing that the reasons for taking an intermission are varied and personal. For her, it was about supporting her husband’s career and prioritizing family time. This decision had a lasting positive impact on her family, enabling her husband and daughters to learn German, a skill she deeply valued.
Returning to Active Duty After CIP
A key feature of the Career Intermission Program is its structured reintegration process. CIP is designed to ensure a smooth return to active duty, setting participants up for continued success in their Air Force careers.
The Reintegration Process
Approximately six to nine months before Maj. Walker’s planned return, the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) initiated the reintegration process. This involved discussions about her desired return location, medical clearance procedures, and the renewal of her security clearance. The Air Force also provides travel and transportation allowances to the participant’s chosen home of selection within the U.S. and then to their follow-on assignment, further easing the transition back to active duty.
Career Progression After CIP
Maj. Walker’s return to active duty in 2021 was seamless. Her husband was selected for in-residence Intermediate Developmental Education at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, and Maj. Walker began teaching at Squadron Officer School, later becoming Director of Operations for a student squadron. Subsequently, the roles reversed, with Maj. Walker attending Air Command and Staff College while her husband taught at SOS.
Despite the initial readjustment of returning to military life and explaining her temporary absence to peers, Maj. Walker experienced a positive reception. She found that her peers, many of whom were now in hiring positions, valued her unique experiences and perspectives gained during her intermission. She returned feeling even stronger and more prepared to serve.
Is the Air Force CIP Right for You in 2023?
The Career Intermission Program presents a valuable option for Airmen seeking a temporary break from active duty to pursue personal or professional goals. As you consider your career path in 2023, understanding the potential of CIP is crucial.
Considerations and Advice from Maj. Walker
Maj. Walker’s experience offers key takeaways for those contemplating CIP. She emphasizes that it’s a “once-in-a-career opportunity” to invest in oneself, address personal priorities, and gain new perspectives. She believes that the Air Force benefits from Airmen who have had the chance to broaden their horizons and return with renewed dedication and skills.
Her advice is to embrace the opportunity and not fear potential career repercussions. CIP is a program sanctioned and supported by the DoD and Air Force, designed to enhance, not hinder, an Airman’s career in the long run.
CIP as a Career Enhancement Tool
The Career Intermission Program should be viewed not as a career detour, but as a potential career enhancement tool. By allowing Airmen to pursue outside experiences and address personal needs, CIP can lead to:
- Increased Retention: By providing flexibility and support for work-life balance, CIP can encourage Airmen to remain in service long-term.
- Enhanced Skillsets: Experiences gained during intermission, whether in education, civilian employment, or personal pursuits, can bring new skills and perspectives back to the Air Force.
- Improved Well-being: Addressing personal needs and reducing burnout can lead to a more resilient and effective force.
Conclusion:
The Air Force Career Intermission Program in 2023 remains a powerful resource for Airmen seeking to balance their service commitments with personal and professional aspirations. Maj. Walker’s story exemplifies the program’s potential to provide valuable opportunities for personal growth and family support, while ultimately strengthening the Air Force. If you are considering options for personal or professional development, exploring the Career Intermission Program could be a strategic step towards a more fulfilling and sustainable Air Force career.
