The United States Air Force is committed to the well-being and long-term careers of its personnel. Recognizing that life sometimes requires stepping away from service, the Department of Defense established the Career Intermission Program (CIP). Despite being available since 2014, many Airmen are unaware of this unique opportunity. This article delves into what the Career Intermission Program AF is, how it works, and how it can benefit both Airmen and the Air Force, using the experience of Major Sandra Walker as a compelling example.
What is the Career Intermission Program?
The Career Intermission Program (CIP) is a Department of Defense initiative designed to allow service members from all branches, including the Air Force, to temporarily transition to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). This transition can last from one to three years, providing a window for Airmen to pursue personal or professional goals outside of their active duty commitments. After their intermission, participants are then able to return to active-duty status, continuing their military careers.
This program offers a structured and supported way for Airmen to address life events without completely abandoning their service. Whether it’s pursuing further education, spending time with family, starting a business, or simply taking a deliberate pause, CIP provides the flexibility to attend to these needs while maintaining a pathway back to the Air Force.
Benefits of the Career Intermission Program
Participating in the Career Intermission Program comes with several significant benefits, ensuring that Airmen are supported during their time away and upon their return:
- Medical and Dental Benefits: Participants and their eligible dependents retain full medical and dental coverage throughout their intermission period. This crucial benefit provides peace of mind and healthcare security during their transition.
- Exchange and Commissary Privileges: Access to military exchanges (BX/PX) and commissaries continues, offering cost-saving shopping options for participants and their families.
- Monthly Stipend: While in the IRR, participants receive a monthly stipend equivalent to one-fifteenth of their basic pay. This financial support helps ease the transition and provides some income during the intermission.
- Career Flexibility and Personal Growth: CIP offers the invaluable opportunity to focus on personal and professional development outside the military structure. This can lead to renewed focus, expanded skill sets, and a broader perspective that benefits both the individual and the Air Force upon their return.
- Smooth Transition Back to Active Duty: The program is designed to facilitate a seamless return to active duty. The Air Force Personnel Center works with participants to identify preferred locations, manage medical clearances, and reinstate security clearances, ensuring a supported reintegration into service.
Major Sandra Walker’s CIP Experience: A Missileer’s Story
Major Sandra Walker, a missileer and assistant director of operations, is a prime example of how the Career Intermission Program can be successfully utilized. She became aware of CIP in 2015 and, although not immediately needed, recognized its potential value for future life events.
In 2016, when her husband, an active-duty helicopter pilot, was presented with a unique assignment with the German Air Force, Major Walker faced a career crossroads. Relocating to Germany for available positions would mean geographic separation from her husband, and with their first child on the way, family considerations became paramount.
CIP emerged as a viable solution. After thorough research and family discussions, Major Walker and her husband decided that the program aligned perfectly with their needs. It offered the chance to be closer to her family in Germany, allowed her to be more present during her daughter’s early years, and enabled her husband to undertake his unique German Air Force assignment.
Despite facing some skepticism and concerns from others about potential career setbacks (“out of sight out of mind”), Major Walker remained confident in her decision. She countered the concerns by highlighting that CIP is essentially a temporary career adjustment, not an end. She believed that allowing Airmen to address personal needs would ultimately lead to a more focused and dedicated force in the long run.
Major Walker emphasized the importance of planning and communication, particularly regarding promotion timelines and professional military education. She advised Airmen considering CIP to discuss their plans with squadron leadership and mentors to ensure a smooth transition and return.
During her intermission, starting in 2018, Major Walker dedicated her time to raising her daughters, experiencing a more relaxed second pregnancy and postpartum period, and focusing on personal growth through reading and running. She highlights that CIP is flexible and can accommodate diverse reasons for taking a break – from pursuing civilian careers at companies like Amazon to caring for family members. For her, it was about family and supporting her husband’s career opportunity, which also resulted in her husband and daughters becoming fluent in German, a priceless family enrichment.
Her return to active duty in 2021 was strategically supported by the Air Force. Months before her return, AFPC initiated conversations about desired locations and facilitated the necessary administrative processes, including medical clearances and security clearance renewals. Upon her return, her career continued to flourish. She taught at Squadron Officer School, became a Director of Operations, and was subsequently selected for Air Command and Staff College, demonstrating that CIP did not hinder her professional progression.
While acknowledging the minor anomaly of explaining her rank compared to peers who hadn’t taken an intermission, Major Walker has no regrets. She feels she returned to service as a more well-rounded and effective Airman. She strongly advocates for CIP, viewing it as a “once-in-a-career opportunity” for self-improvement and personal prioritization. She believes that the perspectives gained during intermission enhance an Airman’s service and ultimately contribute to increased retention within the Air Force.
Is CIP Right for You? Key Considerations
The Career Intermission Program is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it offers a valuable option for Airmen facing significant life events or seeking personal and professional enrichment. When considering CIP, reflect on these key points:
- Personal and Professional Goals: Clearly define what you hope to achieve during your intermission. How will this time away contribute to your long-term personal and professional aspirations?
- Career Timing: Understand your promotion timelines and professional military education windows. Plan your intermission strategically to minimize any potential career disruptions. Consult with your leadership and mentors to ensure you are making informed decisions.
- Family and Financial Planning: Assess the financial implications of taking a reduced stipend. Plan how you will manage your finances and family needs during your time in the IRR. However, remember that medical and commissary benefits continue, providing significant support.
- Return to Service: Understand the process for returning to active duty. The Air Force is committed to making this a smooth transition, but proactive communication with AFPC and planning your return are essential.
Conclusion: Empowering Airmen, Strengthening the Force
The Air Force Career Intermission Program represents a forward-thinking approach to talent management and Airmen well-being. It acknowledges the importance of work-life balance and provides a mechanism for Airmen to pursue personal and professional goals without sacrificing their military careers. Major Walker’s experience underscores the potential benefits of CIP, demonstrating that taking an intermission can lead to renewed dedication, enhanced skills, and a stronger, more resilient Air Force.
For Airmen seeking flexibility and a chance to recharge and refocus, the Career Intermission Program AF is definitely worth exploring. It’s an opportunity to invest in yourself, your family, and ultimately, your continued service to the nation.
