The Career Intermission Program (CIP) stands as a unique opportunity within the Department of Defense, allowing service members to temporarily step away from active duty to address personal or professional aspirations before seamlessly returning to their Air Force careers. While established in 2014, the program remains relatively less known across the force. One Airman who has successfully navigated this path is Major Sandra Walker, an assistant director of operations from the 321st Missile Squadron at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. Her experience provides valuable insights into the benefits and considerations of the Air Force Career Intermission Program, particularly for those seeking a balance between military service and personal life goals.
Understanding the Air Force Career Intermission Program
The Career Intermission Program offers a structured break from active duty, enabling Airmen to transfer to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) for a period of one to three years. This intermission is designed to accommodate diverse needs, whether personal or professional, that require a temporary focus outside of the immediate demands of military service. Crucially, participants in the Career Intermission Program Air Force Afi retain significant benefits. These include full medical and dental coverage for both the service member and eligible dependents, continued access to Exchange and Commissary privileges, and a monthly stipend equivalent to one-fifteenth of their basic pay. This support system ensures a degree of stability and security during the intermission period, facilitating a smoother transition back to active duty.
Maj. Walker’s Journey: Leveraging CIP for Family and Career Synergy
Maj. Walker’s introduction to the Career Intermission Program occurred in 2015 during a Women’s Leadership Symposium hosted by the Twentieth Air Force. While not immediately relevant, the information resonated and was mentally noted for potential future application. The pivotal moment arrived in 2016 when her husband, an active-duty helicopter pilot, received a prestigious assignment for a German Air Force immersion program. This presented a crossroads for Maj. Walker. Traditional assignment options in Germany would have placed her geographically distant from her husband’s location, and with their first child on the way, the complexities of dual military careers and family life became acutely apparent.
Deciding to Utilize the Career Intermission Program
Faced with these challenges, Maj. Walker began to seriously consider the Career Intermission Program as a viable solution. Extensive research and in-depth family discussions ensued, carefully weighing the potential career implications alongside the profound family benefits. Ultimately, the CIP emerged as an appealing pathway. It offered the opportunity to reside closer to her family in Germany, allowing for invaluable support during the early years of her daughter’s life, while simultaneously enabling her husband to pursue his unique professional opportunity. This thoughtful approach highlights how the career intermission program air force afi can be strategically used to align personal and family needs with continued military service.
Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions
Despite the clear advantages for her family, Maj. Walker encountered skepticism and discouragement from some. Concerns were raised about potential career setbacks, with phrases like “out of sight out of mind” and questions questioning her career trajectory. However, Maj. Walker held a strong counter-perspective. She viewed CIP not as a career derailment, but as a strategic pause. She astutely pointed out that for those committed to a 20-year career, it primarily adjusted the timeline, not the ultimate goal. Furthermore, she argued that allowing Airmen to address personal needs through programs like the career intermission program air force afi could lead to a more focused and resilient force in the long run. This proactive approach to personal well-being, facilitated by the Air Force, can be seen as an investment in the overall strength and retention of its personnel.
Navigating the CIP Process and Return
For those contemplating the Career Intermission Program, Maj. Walker emphasizes the importance of understanding career timelines, particularly concerning promotions and professional military education. “Know your timelines,” she advises, stressing the need for open communication with squadron leadership and mentors. While the program offers flexibility in departure timing, Airmen must be prepared for their careers to resume momentum immediately upon return. Strategic planning and communication are key to a successful intermission and reintegration.
Maj. Walker’s intermission commenced in 2018. This period was intentionally focused on family. She dedicated herself to raising her daughter, experienced a more relaxed second pregnancy and postpartum period, and invested in personal growth through reading and running. The flexibility of the career intermission program air force afi is underscored by its broad applicability. As Maj. Walker notes, the reasons for participation are diverse, ranging from pursuing external employment opportunities, such as at companies like Amazon, to caring for family members facing illness, and numerous other personal pursuits. For Maj. Walker, it was about family – supporting her husband’s career advancement and nurturing her young family in a supportive environment, including immersing her daughters in German language and culture.
The return to active duty is structured to facilitate a smooth transition. Approximately six to nine months prior to her intended return date, the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) initiated contact with Maj. Walker. Discussions centered on desired follow-on assignments (with travel and transportation allowances provided to a designated home of selection within the U.S. and then to the new duty station), medical clearance procedures, and security clearance renewal processes. Maj. Walker’s seamless return in 2021 saw her assigned to Squadron Officer School at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, followed by roles as a Director of Operations and selection for Air Command and Staff College. Her husband also benefited, attending in-residence Intermediate Developmental Education and teaching at SOS, demonstrating the reciprocal career benefits that CIP can enable within military families.
Key Advice for CIP Applicants
Maj. Walker’s experience yields valuable advice for those considering the Career Intermission Program. She reiterates that returning to active duty was a significantly easier process than separating, emphasizing the structured reintegration support provided by the Air Force. The familiarity of military life provided a sense of immediate grounding upon her return. However, she also acknowledges the emotional adjustments for her children after their time immersed in German culture.
Despite the career timeline adjustments, Maj. Walker has no regrets about her CIP experience. She believes she returned to service as a more well-rounded and resilient Airman. Her peers, now assuming leadership positions, recognize the value and experience she gained. Her resounding advice is to view CIP as a “once-in-a-career opportunity” for self-focus, personal development, and prioritizing life goals. She encourages Airmen to embrace the program, confident that the perspectives and skills gained during the intermission will enrich their future service, ultimately contributing to a more adaptable and effective Air Force while bolstering overall retention across the force by demonstrating a commitment to Airmen’s holistic well-being.
