The U.S. Navy understands the demands of military service and the importance of work-life balance. Recognizing that sailors may face personal or professional challenges requiring a temporary break from active duty, the Navy established the Career Intermission Program (CIP). This program offers a unique opportunity for both officers and enlisted personnel to transition to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) for up to three years, while maintaining essential benefits and privileges. This article provides a detailed overview of the Navy CIP, its benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process, ensuring sailors have the information needed to make informed career decisions.
Understanding the Career Intermission Program
Established in 2009 and now a permanent program, the Career Intermission Program (CIP) is designed to support sailors in addressing life and work challenges. It allows eligible active duty and Full Time Support (FTS) officers and enlisted sailors to take a temporary break from their active service. Participants transition into the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) for a period of up to three years, providing them with the flexibility to pursue personal or professional goals without fully separating from the Navy. Upon completion of their intermission, sailors return to active duty, bringing back enhanced skills and renewed dedication.
A career intermission can serve various purposes. Sailors might use this time for further education, to start or grow a family, provide care for family members, or pursue other personal or professional opportunities. The CIP is open to sailors across different Navy communities and rates, highlighting its broad applicability and support for diverse career paths. Examples of past participants include a Navy SEAL who pursued a graduate degree at Harvard and an Aviation Electronics Technician who took time to care for a parent.
Key Benefits of the CIP
Participating in the Career Intermission Program offers a range of significant benefits, ensuring sailors and their families are supported during their time in the IRR:
- Healthcare Coverage: Participants and their dependents retain full medical and dental benefits throughout the intermission period. This ensures continuous healthcare access and peace of mind.
- Base Privileges: Sailors maintain commissary and Navy Exchange (NEX) benefits, allowing them to continue utilizing these essential services.
- Reserve Stipend: Participants receive a monthly stipend equivalent to two times 1/30th of their active duty basic pay. This financial support helps to ease the transition to IRR status.
- 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 within the CONUS.
- Leave Carry Forward: CIP participants may carry forward unused accrued leave balance, up to 60 days, into their intermission. They also have the option to use or sell back leave before starting CIP.
- Disability Protections: Participants who become critically ill or injured during their CIP period are entitled to medical treatment under the same provisions as active duty members.
- GI Bill Usage: Sailors can utilize their Post-9/11 or Webb GI Bill benefits while in the IRR, provided they meet the GI Bill requirements, supporting educational pursuits during their intermission.
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Eligibility and Application Process
Eligibility for the Career Intermission Program is open to active duty and Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) personnel. However, acceptance into the program is not guaranteed and depends on meeting specific criteria and Navy approval. Sailors interested in applying should be aware of the following:
- Application Timing: Applications must be submitted electronically to the PERS-9 Career Intermission Program Manager at least 12 months prior to the projected rotation date (PRD) or the end of active obligated service, whichever comes first. Early communication with detailers is highly recommended.
- Obligated Service (OBLISERVE): Participants incur an obligated service requirement to serve one month of active duty for every month spent in the IRR, in addition to any existing or future active duty obligations.
- Order Negotiation: Sailors can still negotiate for orders while applying for CIP, but those under PCS orders are ineligible to participate.
The application package review process involves multiple stages:
- Eligibility Review: PERS-9 Career Intermission Program Manager reviews packages to ensure eligibility requirements are met.
- Detailer and Community Manager Review: Packages are routed to the member’s Detailer (PERS-4) and Community Managers (BUPERS-3) for assessment and recommendations.
- Final Approval: Commander, Navy Personnel Command (CNPC) grants final approval.
For detailed rules, eligibility requirements, and application procedures, sailors should refer to OPNAVINST 1330.2C.
Impact on Career Progression
The Navy is committed to ensuring that participation in the CIP does not negatively impact a sailor’s long-term career prospects. Here’s how the program addresses promotion and advancement:
- Promotion Deferment: During the intermission, participants are exempt from promotion or advancement consideration.
- Date of Rank Adjustment: Upon return to active duty, a participant’s date of rank or time-in-rate is adjusted to ensure they remain competitive with peers of similar experience levels. For officers, the date of rank is adjusted based on the duration of the intermission. For enlisted sailors, both time in rate (TIR) and effective date of paygrade are adjusted.
- Continued Career Success: Numerous officers and enlisted sailors who have participated in CIP have been successfully promoted after returning to active duty, demonstrating that the program supports long-term career growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CIP
To further clarify aspects of the Career Intermission Program, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Has CIP been extended?
Yes, the Career Intermission Program has been made a permanent program, reflecting the Navy’s ongoing commitment to supporting its personnel.
Who can apply for CIP?
Active duty sailors and Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) personnel are eligible to apply. However, meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
What are some of the benefits of CIP?
Benefits include continued medical and dental coverage for sailors and dependents, commissary and NEX privileges, a monthly stipend, a CONUS PCS move, leave carry-forward options, disability protections, and GI Bill usage.
Can I use my GI Bill while participating in the Career Intermission Program?
Yes, CIP participants can use their Post-9/11 or Webb GI Bill benefits while in the IRR, provided they meet the necessary requirements. However, Tuition Assistance (TA) is not authorized during CIP participation.
How will CIP affect my promotion/advancement opportunity?
CIP participants are not considered for promotion during their intermission. Upon returning to active duty, date of rank and time-in-rate are adjusted to maintain competitiveness with peers.
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 a second degree. Returning to a different community is possible if selected through the Lateral Transfer process, which is separate from CIP. Participants should be prepared to return to their original designator if not selected for lateral transfer.
Can enlisted use the time to complete a bachelor’s degree and then return as an Officer?
Enlisted sailors can pursue commissioning by submitting an officer package separately. If selected, they can fulfill their CIP obligated service as an officer. If not selected, they must be prepared to complete their obligated service in their prior enlisted rating. CIP is not a commissioning program.
Can I apply even though I am currently negotiating for orders?
Yes, sailors can apply while negotiating for orders, but those with PCS orders are ineligible. Communication with detailers is essential for those interested in CIP.
Conclusion
The Navy Career Intermission Program provides a valuable opportunity for sailors to take a planned break from active duty to address personal or professional needs while maintaining critical benefits and facilitating a return to service. By understanding the program’s benefits, eligibility, and application process, sailors can make informed decisions about their careers and utilize this program to achieve better work-life integration and long-term professional growth within the U.S. Navy. For further details and to begin the application process, sailors are encouraged to consult OPNAVINST 1330.2C and communicate with their detailers.
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