Are you an Air Force service member contemplating a pause in your military career to pursue personal or professional goals? The Air Force Career Intermission Program (CIP), while established before 2020, remains a relevant and valuable opportunity for Airmen seeking a temporary break from active duty. This program allows you to take time off for academic pursuits, family matters, or personal development, and this guide will provide you with essential information to understand and navigate the CIP.
Understanding the Air Force Career Intermission Program (CIP)
The Career Intermission Program isn’t a new initiative, but its benefits and details are often not widely known. Originally launched as the Career Intermission Pilot Program (CIPP) in 2009 to improve military retention, it gained further traction when the Air Force, along with the Army, adopted it in 2014. The great news for service members is that the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) solidified CIP as a permanent program.
The Air Force CIP enables approved Airmen to take a sabbatical from active duty for one to three years. Upon completing their intermission, participants return to active service, maintaining their rank without penalty. It’s important to note that the 2022 NDAA updated the service payback policy, so for every year of intermission, you incur a one-year service obligation upon your return.
Benefits of the Air Force CIP
Participating in the Air Force CIP offers several significant advantages:
- Pursue Personal and Professional Goals: This program provides the flexibility to dedicate time to endeavors outside of military service. This could include pursuing higher education, starting or growing a family, providing care for family members, or gaining experience in a civilian career field.
- Seamless Return to Service: You are guaranteed to return to Active Duty in the Air Force at the same rank you held before your intermission, ensuring no career setbacks due to participation in the program.
- Continued Benefits: During your intermission, while you transition to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR), you retain important benefits such as medical and dental coverage, as well as access to base facilities.
- Relocation Support: The Air Force facilitates two household goods moves – one to your chosen location within the Continental US (CONUS) at the program’s start, and another back to your active duty station when you return.
- Leave Carryover: You can retain any accrued leave from your active duty service and utilize it upon your return.
- GI Bill Utilization: Your time in service qualifies you for GI Bill benefits, which can be used during your intermission to cover educational expenses and potentially provide a housing allowance.
- VA Disability Claim Eligibility: Separating from active duty for the intermission period allows you to apply for VA disability benefits if you qualify. It is advisable to establish your medical case before commencing your intermission if you believe you are eligible for disability benefits.
What’s Not Included in the CIP?
It’s crucial to understand what benefits are not available during your Career Intermission:
- Bonus Pay: You will not receive any bonus pay while participating in the CIP.
- Promotion Consideration: You will not be considered for promotions during your intermission period.
- Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI): SGLI coverage is not active during the intermission.
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): You will not receive BAH or BAS during your time in the IRR.
- Tuition Assistance: Air Force Tuition Assistance programs are not available while in the CIP.
Eligibility and Application for the Air Force CIP
The Air Force CIP is open to all Active Duty Officers and Enlisted Airmen. Applications are typically accepted within specific application windows. However, the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) may consider applications outside of these windows for urgent or immediate-need cases on a case-by-case basis.
To initiate the application process, it’s recommended to first discuss your interest with your unit leadership and personnel office. For comprehensive and the most current information, visit the official AFPC’s CIP page. This page provides detailed guidance, application procedures, and contact information.
For peer-to-peer insights and discussions, consider joining the unofficial “USAF CIP” Facebook group. This group can be a valuable resource for connecting with other Airmen who have considered or participated in the program.
While this article focuses on the Air Force, it’s worth noting that the Army also offers a Career Intermission Program with its own specific application procedures managed through Human Resources Command.
Key Considerations Before Applying
Before submitting your application for the Air Force CIP, carefully consider the long-term implications:
- Service Commitment: Remember that participating in CIP extends your overall military service commitment. Currently, the obligation is one year of service for each year of intermission. Plan accordingly for this extended commitment.
- Financial Planning is Essential: During your intermission, your military income will be significantly reduced. You will receive a stipend, which is approximately 2/30th of your Active Duty basic pay, potentially amounting to only a few hundred dollars per month or less. Therefore, having substantial savings and a robust financial plan is absolutely critical to comfortably manage your finances during your time away from full active duty pay. Resources like Military Dollar can offer valuable financial planning advice.
Conclusion
The Air Force Career Intermission Program presents a unique opportunity for Airmen to take a deliberate break in service to pursue personal and professional development while retaining a pathway back to their military career. By understanding the benefits, limitations, eligibility criteria, and long-term considerations, you can make an informed decision about whether the CIP aligns with your individual needs and career goals. Thorough research and consultation with your unit leadership and the AFPC are essential steps in exploring this valuable program.
