The demanding nature of a U.S. military career often requires personnel to navigate a challenging balance between professional duties and family responsibilities. For some, this duality can present a difficult choice. However, for individuals like former U.S. Air Force Capt. Katie Evans, who served as the 18th Force Support Squadron manpower and personnel flight commander, the ideal scenario involves harmonizing both aspects of life. Captain Evans leveraged the pilot version of the Air Force Career Intermission Program 2015, an initiative designed to offer select enlisted and officer Airmen the opportunity to temporarily step away from their active duty commitments for up to three years. This program provided a crucial lifeline, allowing service members to attend to personal or family needs without entirely sacrificing their military careers.
Evans recounted, “I discovered the program while pregnant, and remarkably, my son was born just two days after the application window opened.” She described feeling increasingly overwhelmed by the pressures of her demanding role and the responsibilities of starting a family. Her pregnancy further complicated matters, as it restricted her ability to deploy, participate in exercises, or engage in regular physical training, essential components of military service.
“My body endured significant stress, leading to multiple hospital visits and, shortly after his birth, a ten-day stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for my son,” Evans shared. Upon returning from maternity leave, the demands of breastfeeding further strained her capacity to fulfill her professional obligations, consuming up to three hours of her workday.
“I felt I wasn’t able to fully meet the expectations of my Air Force role,” she admitted. “My primary motivation for applying for this program was to reconcile my desire to nurture my family while ensuring I could refocus on my duties to the Air Force upon my return.” Evans elaborated on the challenges she faced, “I was missing meetings, briefings, and crucial milestones for my Airmen.” Although separation from service in February 2016 was a viable option she considered, the Career Intermission Program 2015 offered a valuable alternative, allowing her to pursue both family and career aspirations.
Learning about the pilot program through her network, Evans, a personnel specialist, became one of the select 20 officers chosen for this highly competitive inaugural initiative. “Being among the initial 32 participants was a true blessing. I believe my consistent performance record throughout my career and my expressed commitment to continued service played a significant role in my selection,” Evans reflected. The Air Force Career Intermission Program 2015 pilot was highly selective, with only forty Airmen across the entire Air Force, evenly split between officers and enlisted personnel, being granted participation. Ultimately, 32 individuals enrolled in the program.
Evans explained the selection process, stating, “Essentially, the board evaluates your service record. There’s no interview, and the only written submission besides your application is the rationale for seeking a sabbatical. Therefore, your career achievements up to that point largely determine your selection.” The reasons cited by participants for seeking a sabbatical were varied and encompassed a wide spectrum of personal and professional development goals.
“It’s a misconception that this program is solely for parental leave; it’s much broader,” Evans clarified. “I would highly recommend the Career Intermission Program 2015 to anyone seeking dedicated time to focus on a specific life phase. This could include pursuing spiritual growth through mission work or furthering education, all without the constant pressures of deployments, family-work balance, exercises, temporary duty assignments, and mission demands.”
Recognizing the Air Force’s historical challenge of losing valuable, experienced personnel to early separation incentives, the Career Intermission Program 2015 emerged as a strategic retention tool. It aimed to retain skilled Airmen who required a temporary period to achieve personal goals but remained committed to future service.
“This program is truly designed for individuals who desire to concentrate on another aspect of their lives for a period, while also recognizing their continued contribution to the Air Force mission,” Evans emphasized. “The experiences, knowledge, and skills gained during this intermission period are anticipated to significantly benefit the Air Force upon their return.”
While the program offers temporary respite from active duty, participants incur a service obligation of twice the duration of their sabbatical. “I requested a two-year intermission,” Evans stated, “which means I will owe four years of service upon my return.” During her temporary separation under the Career Intermission Program 2015, the former Captain now uses Mrs. Evans.
“It’s a significant adjustment for someone who has served continuously for 13 years, wearing the uniform daily, to introduce myself as Mrs. instead of Captain or Airman,” she reflected. “It’s a considerable shift, and I already miss the camaraderie, the mission, and the sense of purpose. Stepping away is challenging, but I am reassured knowing I will return.”
For further details regarding the Career Intermission Program, please visit http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/486908/af-implements-career-intermission-pilot-program.aspx or contact your local force support squadron for application information.
