The U.S. Army recognizes the importance of retaining experienced and skilled Soldiers. To support this, they have established the Career Intermission Program (CIP), a strategic initiative designed to allow Soldiers to take a break in service to pursue personal or professional goals, with a guaranteed pathway back to active duty. This program is a crucial tool for talent management, ensuring the Army doesn’t lose valuable personnel who might otherwise leave for good.
The Career Intermission Program is not open to all Soldiers, and participation comes with specific requirements. Soldiers approved for the CIP must agree to be appointed to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) for the duration of their intermission. While in the IRR, participants are required to undergo inactive duty training to maintain their military proficiency, professional qualifications, and physical fitness standards. This ensures a smooth transition back to active duty when their intermission period concludes.
Initially launched as a pilot program aimed at officers and warrant officers following the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, the Career Intermission Program has evolved significantly. An Army Directive formalized CIP as a permanent Army program and expanded its accessibility to include Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs). This expansion underscores the Army’s commitment to retaining talent across all ranks.
The CIP targets Soldiers who might be contemplating leaving the Army due to various personal and professional aspirations. It offers an alternative to permanent separation by allowing Soldiers to pursue these aspirations while remaining connected to the Army. Participants can apply for a career intermission for a range of reasons, including but not limited to:
- Pursuing Higher Education: Completing a degree program or undertaking specialized training.
- Family Matters: Starting or expanding a family, or providing care for family members in need.
- Dual Military Family Alignment: Coordinating deployment cycles or managing family responsibilities for couples where both partners serve in the military.
- Skill Development: Acquiring new skills or certifications to enhance future career prospects, both within and outside the Army.
- Broadening Experiences: Engaging in opportunities that broaden their perspectives and experiences, such as volunteering or working in a different sector.
- Religious Observance: Accommodating religious practices or commitments that require a period of intermission.
Soldiers participating in the CIP incur a service obligation of two months for every month spent in the program. During their intermission, they receive a fraction of their base pay, specifically 2/30ths per month. This provides a degree of financial support while they are pursuing their intermission goals.
For Soldiers interested in applying for the Career Intermission Program, the process involves individual counseling and the completion of a CIP contract. It is recommended to consult with career counselors or branch managers for detailed guidance and support throughout the application process. Further details on eligibility criteria and the application process can be found on the Army’s Human Resources Command website and through the CIP application portal.
The Army’s continued investment in the Career Intermission Program reflects its broader strategy to retain Soldiers who possess the critical knowledge, skills, and attributes necessary for success in modern warfare. In an era often described as the “war for talent,” the CIP represents a proactive approach to personnel management.
Ultimately, the Career Intermission Program is vital to the Army because it allows the military to retain its significant investment in Soldiers. By providing a mechanism for Soldiers to achieve personal and professional milestones without permanently leaving the service, the CIP ensures the Army benefits from their continued service and expertise in the long run. It’s a win-win situation, offering Soldiers flexibility and opportunity while strengthening the Army’s human capital.
