The Air Force Career Intermission Program (CIP) offers a unique opportunity for Airmen to temporarily step away from their active duty careers to pursue personal or professional goals, and then return to service. While this program has been available since 2014, it remains a hidden gem for many. One inspiring example is Maj. Sandra Walker, a missileer from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, who leveraged CIP to enhance both her family life and her career trajectory. Her experience highlights the incredible potential of the CIP, not just for individual Airmen, but potentially for Air Force Career Intermission Program Pilots and personnel across various Air Force specialties.
Understanding the Career Intermission Program
The Career Intermission Program is a Department of Defense initiative that allows service members to transfer to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) for a period of one to three years. This intermission is designed to accommodate personal needs, such as spending time with family, pursuing education, or exploring civilian career opportunities. Participants in the CIP retain significant benefits, including full medical and dental care for themselves and their dependents, access to Exchange and Commissary facilities, and a monthly stipend equivalent to one-fifteenth of their basic pay. This support system ensures that Airmen can focus on their intermission goals without losing crucial support for themselves and their families.
Maj. Walker’s CIP Journey: A Blueprint for Success
Maj. Walker’s introduction to CIP came in 2015 at the Twentieth Air Force Women’s Leadership Symposium. Initially, it was just a piece of information stored away. However, the program became a viable option when her husband, an active-duty helicopter pilot, received a unique opportunity for a German Air Force immersion in 2016. Facing the challenge of geographical separation and expecting their first child, Maj. Walker explored CIP as a solution. Working locations in Germany were hours away from her husband’s posting.
After thorough research and extensive family discussions, the benefits of CIP became clear. It allowed her to be closer to her family in Germany, be more present during her daughter’s early years, and fully support her husband’s career advancement. This decision, while unconventional, prioritized both family unity and career flexibility.
Despite facing skepticism and comments like “out of sight, out of mind,” Maj. Walker remained confident in her decision. She countered concerns about career stagnation by emphasizing that CIP is essentially a temporary career adjustment, not an ending. “Really all you are doing is delaying your retirement if you plan to stay in for 20 years,” she explained. She argued that allowing Airmen to address personal needs through programs like CIP could lead to a more focused and dedicated force in the long run. This perspective is especially relevant for high-demand roles such as air force career intermission program pilots, where retention is crucial.
A key piece of advice from Maj. Walker for anyone considering CIP is to understand their career timelines. “Know your timelines for promotion and professional military education,” she advised. This proactive approach involves discussing plans with squadron commanders, senior enlisted leaders, or mentors to ensure a smooth transition out and back into active duty. While the separation process can be initiated at any time, planning for the return is crucial for career progression.
Personal Growth and Family Enrichment During Intermission
Maj. Walker separated from active duty in 2018. Her time in CIP was deeply fulfilling. She dedicated herself to raising her daughters, experienced a more relaxed second pregnancy and postpartum period, and focused on personal development through reading and running. The flexibility of CIP allowed her to prioritize family and personal well-being.
“The great thing about this program, you can separate for any reason,” Maj. Walker noted. She highlighted the diverse reasons Airmen utilize CIP, from pursuing civilian work at companies like Amazon to caring for family members. For her, it was about supporting her husband’s career and nurturing her family. This period in Germany also enriched her family culturally, enabling her husband and daughters to learn German, a skill she values immensely. This type of personal enrichment can be a significant benefit for Airmen across all career fields, including air force career intermission program pilots, who often face demanding operational tempo.
Seamless Return and Continued Success
The CIP is structured to facilitate a successful return to active duty. For Maj. Walker, the reintegration process began 6-9 months prior to her return. The Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) contacted her to discuss preferred locations, assisted with medical clearances and security clearance renewals, and managed travel and transportation allowances to her home of selection and subsequent assignment. This comprehensive support system eased her transition back into service.
Upon her return in 2021, Maj. Walker’s career continued to flourish. Her husband was selected for in-residence Intermediate Developmental Education, and she taught at Squadron Officer School (SOS), eventually becoming Director of Operations for a student squadron. Subsequently, she was selected for Air Command and Staff College, while her husband took on a teaching role at SOS. This seamless transition and continued career progression demonstrate that taking an intermission does not derail an Air Force career.
Maj. Walker acknowledges the initial adjustment of returning to active duty, particularly the cultural and linguistic transition for her children after their time in Germany. She also noted the minor career timeline difference compared to peers who continuously served. However, she emphasizes that her experiences during CIP have made her a more well-rounded and effective Airman. Importantly, she points out that those who were once her peers are now in hiring positions, valuing the diverse experiences CIP participants bring.
A Career-Enhancing Opportunity
For Airmen considering the Career Intermission Program, Maj. Walker offers strong encouragement. “It is a once-in-a-career opportunity to focus on yourself, to better yourself and focus on your priorities,” she states. She believes that the new perspectives and skills gained during the intermission period make Airmen even more valuable upon their return. “No one should hold this break in service against you, you should be proud of the opportunity the DoD provided you,” she asserts. CIP ultimately fosters a more engaged and resilient force, enhancing retention across all Air Force career fields, including critically important roles like air force career intermission program pilots. By allowing Airmen to address personal needs and grow, the Air Force strengthens its overall force readiness and capabilities.
