The Navy Career Intermission Program (CIP) offers a unique opportunity for active duty and Full Time Support (FTS) officers and enlisted Sailors to pursue personal and professional growth outside of their regular service commitments. This program allows eligible personnel to transition to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) for up to three years, providing a valuable sabbatical to address life-work balance, pursue education, or attend to personal matters, before returning to active duty. Established in 2009 and now a permanent fixture, the Navy Career Intermission Program is designed to retain experienced and skilled service members by offering flexibility and opportunities for personal development.
Understanding the Navy Career Intermission Program
The Career Intermission Program (CIP) was created to support Sailors facing life and career junctures that require a temporary break from active service. It enables participants to take a planned break, ranging up to three years, from their active duty obligations by transferring into the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). This intermission is not merely a break; it’s a strategic opportunity for Sailors to address personal or professional goals that may be challenging to achieve while on continuous active duty. Upon completion of their intermission, participants are expected to return to active duty, bringing back enhanced skills and renewed dedication. This innovative program underscores the Navy’s commitment to supporting its personnel’s long-term well-being and career longevity.
Benefits of Participating in CIP
Participating in the Navy Career Intermission Program comes with a range of significant benefits, ensuring that service members and their families are well-supported during their time in the IRR.
Healthcare and Base Privileges
One of the most significant advantages of CIP is the continuation of full medical and dental benefits for the participant and their dependents. This ensures uninterrupted healthcare coverage throughout the intermission period. Furthermore, participants retain access to essential base privileges, including the Navy Exchange (NEX) and Commissary, easing the transition and maintaining a connection to the military community.
Financial Stipend
To further support participants during their intermission, the program provides a monthly stipend. This stipend is calculated as twice 1/30th of the participant’s active duty basic pay, offering a financial cushion while they are in the IRR and pursuing their intermission goals.
Permissive Change of Station (PCS) Move
CIP participants are authorized a one-time Permissive Change of Station (PCS) move within the Continental United States (CONUS) to a location of their choosing. This benefit assists with relocation to a more suitable environment for pursuing their intermission objectives, whether it’s closer to family, educational institutions, or other opportunities.
Leave Carry Forward
Recognizing the importance of accrued benefits, the program allows participants to carry forward their unused accrued leave balance, up to 60 days, through their intermission. This provision offers flexibility in managing leave and ensures that service members don’t lose the leave they’ve earned.
GI Bill Usage
Participants in the Career Intermission Program are eligible to utilize their Post-9/11 GI Bill or Webb GI Bill benefits while in the IRR, provided they meet the respective GI Bill requirements. This opens doors for pursuing higher education or vocational training during their intermission, funded by their GI Bill benefits. It’s important to note that Tuition Assistance (TA) is not authorized during CIP participation.
Disability Protections
The FY13 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) revision included critical protections for CIP participants. Should a participant become critically ill or injured during their program participation, they are entitled to medical treatment under the same provisions as a member serving on active duty. This provision ensures that participants are not disadvantaged in terms of medical care during their intermission.
Eligibility and Application Process
While the Navy Career Intermission Program offers substantial benefits, it’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria and application process.
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to Sailors on active duty, as well as Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) personnel. However, acceptance into CIP is not guaranteed for all applicants. The program aims to select individuals whose intermission plans align with the program’s objectives and the Navy’s needs.
Eligibility Requirements
Specific eligibility requirements are detailed in OPNAVINST 1330.2C. Prospective applicants should consult this instruction to fully understand the prerequisites and ensure they meet the necessary criteria before applying.
Application Timeline
Sailors interested in applying for CIP must do so well in advance of their intended intermission start date. Applications should be submitted at least 12 months prior to the projected rotation date (PRD) or the “soft” end of active obligated service, whichever comes first. Early communication with detailers is highly recommended for those considering the program.
Application Process
The application process involves submitting an electronic application package to the PERS-9 Career Intermission Program Manager. The package will undergo a thorough review to determine eligibility. Subsequently, it is routed to the member’s Detailer (PERS-4) and Community Managers (BUPERS-3) for their input before final approval by Commander, Navy Personnel Command (CNPC).
Obligation
A key aspect of CIP is the service obligation incurred. Participants are required to serve one month on active duty for every month spent in the IRR under the program. This obligation is in addition to any existing or future active duty service commitments. This ensures a return of service to the Navy following the intermission period.
Impact on Career Progression
Sailors naturally have concerns about how taking an intermission might affect their career trajectory. The Navy Career Intermission Program is structured to minimize any negative impacts on career progression and, in some ways, can even enhance it.
Promotion and Advancement
During the career intermission, participants are not considered for promotion or advancement. This is a temporary pause in the promotion cycle.
Date of Rank Adjustment
Upon returning to active duty, the Navy adjusts the participant’s date of rank. For officers, the date of rank is adjusted to a later date based on the duration of the intermission. For enlisted Sailors, both the enlisted time in rate (TIR) and effective date of paygrade are adjusted similarly. This adjustment is crucial as it ensures that participants remain competitive for promotion with their peers who have had continuous active duty service, leveling the playing field for future career advancement opportunities.
Real-world Examples
The success of CIP is evident in the achievements of its participants. Examples like a Navy SEAL who pursued and obtained a graduate degree from Harvard University and an Aviation Electronics Technician who took time to care for a parent demonstrate the diverse and impactful ways Sailors utilize their intermission. Many officers and enlisted personnel who have participated in CIP have subsequently been promoted, highlighting that taking an intermission does not hinder, and may even enhance, long-term career prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
To further clarify common queries about the Navy Career Intermission Program, here are answers to frequently asked questions:
Q: What exactly is the Career Intermission Program?
A: The Career Intermission Program is a Navy initiative established to help Sailors manage life-work challenges. It allows active duty and FTS officers and enlisted personnel to take a temporary break from service—up to three years—by transferring to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). After their intermission, they return to active duty with a service obligation equal to their time in the IRR. This program supports various personal and professional pursuits, from education to family care, ultimately aiming to bring back more resilient and skilled Sailors.
Q: Has the Career Intermission Program been extended or is it still temporary?
A: Yes, the Career Intermission Program has been made permanent. Its success and value to both Sailors and the Navy have led to its institutionalization as a long-term program.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for the Career Intermission Program?
A: Active duty Sailors and Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) personnel are eligible to apply. However, acceptance is not automatic. The program is selective, ensuring that participants and their intermission plans align with program goals and Navy objectives. Not all applicants will qualify.
Q: What are the primary benefits of participating in CIP?
A: Key benefits include: continued full medical and dental benefits for the Sailor and dependents, Commissary and Navy Exchange benefits, a monthly stipend, a one-time CONUS PCS move, the ability to carry forward up to 60 days of leave, GI Bill usage eligibility, and medical treatment protections similar to active duty status if critically ill or injured during the program.
Q: Can I use my GI Bill benefits during my Career Intermission Program participation?
A: Yes, CIP participants are authorized to use their Post-9/11 GI Bill or Webb GI Bill while in the IRR, provided they meet the standard eligibility requirements for those GI Bill programs. However, Tuition Assistance (TA) cannot be used during CIP.
Q: How will participating in CIP affect my opportunities for promotion or advancement?
A: During the intermission, participants are paused from promotion or advancement consideration. Upon return, date of rank and time-in-rate are adjusted to ensure participants remain competitive with peers of similar experience levels. Many CIP participants have been successfully promoted after their intermission, demonstrating that the program does not negatively impact career progression.
Q: Can officers use the intermission to pursue a degree and then transfer to a different Navy community?
A: Yes, officers can pursue further education during CIP. However, transferring to a different community requires selection through the standard Lateral Transfer process, which is separate from CIP. Participation in CIP does not guarantee a lateral transfer. Officers must be prepared to return to their original designator if not selected for a different community via lateral transfer.
Q: Can enlisted Sailors use CIP to complete a bachelor’s degree and then commission as an officer?
A: Enlisted Sailors can use their intermission to pursue a bachelor’s degree and apply for commissioning programs separately. Selection for commissioning is independent of CIP. If selected, the obligated service from CIP can be served as a commissioned officer. If not selected for commissioning, the Sailor is obligated to complete their CIP service commitment in their prior enlisted rating. CIP is not a commissioning program itself.
Q: What if I am currently negotiating for new orders? Can I still apply for CIP?
A: Yes, Sailors are encouraged to continue order negotiation even while applying for CIP. However, according to OPNAVINST 1330.2C, Sailors who receive Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders are ineligible for CIP. It is crucial to communicate interest in CIP with your detailer early in the order negotiation process.
The Navy Career Intermission Program represents a significant investment in the professional and personal lives of its Sailors. By providing a structured pathway for service members to pursue outside opportunities and address personal needs, the Navy ensures it retains a highly skilled, experienced, and resilient force ready to meet future challenges. For those seeking a valuable opportunity to enhance their lives and careers, the Navy Career Intermission Program is an avenue worth exploring.
