For those dedicated to serving in the U.S. Air Force, the commitment is profound and often all-encompassing. However, life presents junctures where personal or professional aspirations might necessitate a temporary shift in focus. Recognizing this, the Department of Defense established the Career Intermission Program (CIP) in 2014, offering a unique opportunity for service members to take a planned break in service. While this program has been available for nearly a decade, stories of its successful utilization, like that of Major Sandra Walker, a missileer from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, remain remarkably insightful and relevant for today’s Airmen.
Demystifying the Air Force Career Intermission Program
The Air Force Career Intermission Program (CIP) is a strategic initiative designed to allow active-duty service members to transition temporarily to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). This intermission can span from one to three years, providing a window to pursue personal or professional goals outside the immediate demands of military service. Upon completion of the agreed-upon intermission, participants are then able to return to active duty, seamlessly reintegrating their experience back into their Air Force careers.
The benefits of the CIP are substantial. Participants and their eligible dependents retain full medical and dental coverage, ensuring peace of mind during their time away. Access to military exchanges and commissaries continues, and perhaps most significantly, members receive a monthly stipend equivalent to one-fifteenth of their basic pay. This financial support helps to ease the transition and allows for a more comfortable focus on the intermission goals.
Major Walker’s CIP Experience: A Missileer’s Perspective
Major Sandra Walker’s journey with the Career Intermission Program provides a compelling real-world example of its value. Having learned about CIP in 2015 at a leadership symposium, Major Walker initially filed the information away, recognizing its potential future utility. The pivotal moment arrived in 2016 when her husband, an active-duty helicopter pilot, received a unique assignment with the German Air Force. Faced with geographical challenges and expecting their first child, Major Walker needed to carefully consider her career trajectory and family needs.
Traditional assignments in Germany would have placed her far from her husband’s location, creating significant family strain. The Career Intermission Program emerged as a viable solution. After thorough research and extensive family discussions, the decision was made to pursue CIP. This path allowed Major Walker to be closer to her family in Germany, be actively present during her daughter’s early years, and fully support her husband’s career opportunity.
This decision was not without external pressures. Concerns about career stagnation and being “out of sight, out of mind” were voiced. However, Major Walker astutely reframed the intermission as a career delay, not a derailment. She believed that allowing Airmen the time to address personal needs would ultimately benefit both the individuals and the Air Force, leading to more well-rounded and dedicated service members upon their return.
One crucial piece of advice Major Walker offers to anyone considering CIP is to understand their career timelines, especially concerning promotions and professional military education. Open communication with squadron leadership and mentors is essential to strategically plan the intermission and subsequent return, ensuring a smooth career re-entry.
Major Walker commenced her intermission in 2018. This period was characterized by precious time spent raising her daughters, experiencing a more relaxed second pregnancy and postpartum period, and focusing on personal enrichment through reading and running. The flexibility of the CIP is noteworthy; the program accommodates diverse reasons for intermission, from pursuing civilian career opportunities with companies like Amazon to caring for family members in need. For Major Walker, it was the invaluable opportunity to support her husband’s career and immerse her family in German language and culture, a skill she was able to pass on to her husband and daughters.
Reintegration and Return: Setting Airmen Up for Success
The Career Intermission Program is thoughtfully structured to facilitate a successful return to active duty. For Major Walker, the reintegration process began approximately six to nine months prior to her return date. The Air Force Personnel Center initiated conversations regarding preferred locations, facilitated medical clearance renewals, and managed the security clearance reinstatement process. The program even authorizes travel and transportation allowances to a chosen home of selection within the U.S. and then to the follow-on assignment, easing the logistical and financial burdens of returning to service.
Upon her return in 2021, Major Walker’s career quickly resumed momentum. Her husband was selected for Intermediate Developmental Education, and she began teaching at Squadron Officer School, eventually becoming Director of Operations for a student squadron. Subsequently, the roles reversed, with Major Walker attending Air Command and Staff College while her husband took on a teaching role at SOS.
Major Walker describes her return to active duty as considerably smoother than her departure. She returned to a familiar structure and environment, confident in her role as an Airman. The primary challenge was the family transition, particularly for her children adjusting back to American culture and language after their time in Germany.
While acknowledging the unconventional timeline of her career progression compared to peers, Major Walker emphasizes that she has no regrets. She views her intermission as an investment in herself and her family, ultimately returning as a more resilient and enriched Airman. She underscores that those now in hiring positions are often peers who understand and value diverse experiences.
A Career Advantage: Why Consider the CIP
Major Walker’s resounding endorsement of the Career Intermission Program is clear. She encourages Airmen considering CIP to view it as a “once-in-a-career opportunity” for personal and professional growth. The program allows for self-reflection, skill development, and a renewed focus on priorities. The diverse perspectives gained during the intermission period are invaluable assets upon return, fostering a more adaptable and effective Air Force. The CIP is not a career detractor but rather a strategic tool for enhancing retention by empowering Airmen to manage life’s intersections while remaining committed to service. It allows individuals to return to active duty with renewed vigor, enriched skills, and a stronger dedication to their Air Force careers, ultimately strengthening the force as a whole.
