The Us Navy Career Intermission Program (CIP) offers a unique opportunity for both officers and enlisted sailors to take a temporary break from active duty. This program allows personnel to transition to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) for up to three years, providing a chance to pursue personal or professional goals while maintaining certain benefits and privileges. Upon completion of the intermission, participants return to active duty, bringing back enhanced skills and experiences.
Understanding the Career Intermission Program
Established in 2009, the Career Intermission Program addresses the work-life balance challenges faced by Navy personnel. It is not a separation program but a strategic initiative to retain valuable service members by allowing them to manage personal needs without completely leaving the Navy. Whether it’s pursuing higher education, attending to family matters, or exploring other opportunities, CIP supports a variety of intermission reasons.
Sailors approved for CIP transition to the IRR for a period ranging up to three years. During this time, they are required to electronically muster for accountability but are otherwise relieved from regular active duty responsibilities. A key feature of CIP is the service obligation upon return: participants serve one month of active duty for each month spent in the IRR, in addition to any pre-existing service obligations.
Key Benefits of the Career Intermission Program
Participating in the Career Intermission Program comes with several significant benefits:
- Healthcare Coverage: Participants and their dependents retain full medical and dental benefits throughout the intermission period, ensuring continuous healthcare access.
- Base Privileges: Access to Navy Exchange (NEX) and Commissary benefits is maintained, allowing participants to continue utilizing these essential resources.
- Reserve Stipend: A monthly stipend, calculated as two times 1/30th of their basic pay, is provided to participants, offering financial support during their intermission.
- PCS Move: The program authorizes a one-time CONUS (Continental United States) Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move to a location of the participant’s choice, facilitating relocation for intermission activities.
- Leave Carry-Over: Participants have the option to carry forward up to 60 days of unused accrued leave into their intermission, providing flexibility with leave management.
- Disability Protections: In case of critical illness or injury during the program, participants receive medical treatment under the same provisions as active duty members, ensuring medical security.
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Eligibility and Application for CIP
The Career Intermission Program is open to active duty and Full Time Support (FTS) officers and enlisted sailors, as well as Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) personnel. Eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to Navy needs and individual qualifications as detailed in OPNAVINST 1330.2C. Interested personnel should be aware of the following:
- Application Timing: Applications must be submitted at least 12 months before the projected rotation date (PRD) or the end of active obligated service, whichever comes first. Early communication with detailers is crucial for those interested.
- Obligated Service (OBLISERVE): Participants incur an obligated service period of one month for each month spent in the IRR, which is added to any existing service obligations.
- GI Bill Usage: Eligible participants can utilize their GI Bill benefits while in the IRR, provided they meet the GI Bill requirements, supporting educational pursuits during the intermission. However, Tuition Assistance (TA) is not authorized during CIP.
- No EAOS Requirement: It’s important to note that participation is not restricted to those at the end of their Enlisted Active Obligated Service (EAOS), making it accessible to a broader range of sailors.
Career Impact and Advancement
The Career Intermission Program is designed to minimize negative impacts on career progression. Here’s how it addresses promotion and advancement:
- Promotion Deferment: During the intermission, participants are not considered for promotion or advancement, ensuring fairness within the active duty promotion cycles.
- Date of Rank Adjustment: Upon return to active duty, both officers and enlisted personnel have their date of rank or time-in-rate adjusted to reflect the time spent in IRR. This adjustment ensures that participants remain competitive with their peers who have similar experience levels.
- Post-CIP Advancement: Numerous officers and enlisted sailors who have participated in CIP have successfully been promoted after their return, demonstrating that CIP does not hinder long-term career growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CIP
To further clarify common queries, here are answers to frequently asked questions about the Career Intermission Program:
What is the Career Intermission Program?
CIP is a program established by the US Navy in 2009 to allow active duty sailors a temporary break from service to address personal or professional challenges. Participants transition to the IRR for up to three years and return to active duty afterward.
Has CIP been extended?
Yes, CIP has been made a permanent program, reflecting the Navy’s ongoing commitment to supporting its personnel’s work-life balance.
Who can apply for CIP?
Active duty, FTS, and TAR sailors can apply. However, acceptance is not automatic and depends on meeting specific program requirements and Navy needs, as detailed in OPNAVINST 1330.2C.
What are some of the benefits of CIP?
Benefits include full medical and dental coverage for participant and dependents, commissary and NEX privileges, a monthly stipend, a one-time PCS move, leave carry-over options, and disability protections.
Can I use my GI Bill while participating in the Career Intermission Program?
Yes, participants can use their Post-9/11 or Webb GI Bill if they meet the eligibility criteria for those benefits. Tuition Assistance (TA), however, is not authorized during CIP.
How will CIP affect my promotion/advancement opportunity?
While in CIP, participants are paused from promotion consideration. Upon return, date of rank and time-in-rate are adjusted to maintain competitiveness with peers of similar experience.
Can Officers use the time to pursue a second degree and then return to a different community with a lateral transfer?
Yes, officers can pursue further education. However, lateral transfer to a different community is a separate process and not guaranteed. Participants should be prepared to return to their original designator if a lateral transfer is not approved.
Can enlisted use the time to complete a bachelor’s degree and then return as an Officer?
Enlisted personnel can pursue commissioning programs separately from CIP. If selected for commissioning, the obligated service from CIP can be served as an officer. If not selected, they must fulfill their CIP obligation as enlisted personnel. CIP is not a commissioning program.
Can I apply even though I am currently negotiating for orders?
Sailors can apply for CIP even while negotiating orders but should communicate with their detailer. According to OPNAVINST 1330.2C, those under PCS orders are ineligible for CIP.
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Conclusion
The US Navy Career Intermission Program is a valuable resource for sailors seeking a temporary break from active duty to pursue personal or professional development. By providing significant benefits and ensuring a smooth return to service, CIP demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to the long-term well-being and retention of its personnel. For sailors considering this opportunity, understanding the eligibility criteria, benefits, and application process is the first step towards a successful career intermission. For detailed guidance and application procedures, refer to OPNAVINST 1330.2C and consult with your detailer.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and based on the information available in the provided source. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, always refer to official US Navy documentation and consult with Navy personnel.
