The United States Air Force (USAF) understands that life sometimes requires a detour. That’s why the Career Intermission Program (CIP) exists – a Department of Defense initiative allowing service members to temporarily step away from active duty to address personal or professional needs before seamlessly returning to their Air Force careers. While established in 2014, the benefits of this program are still coming to light, as exemplified by Maj. Sandra Walker, a missileer from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, who became one of the program’s early adopters and advocates.
Understanding the USAF Career Intermission Program
The CIP offers a unique opportunity for USAF personnel to transfer to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) for one to three years. This intermission is designed to accommodate life events that require full attention outside of military service, with the guarantee of returning to active duty afterwards. Participants in the CIP retain significant benefits, ensuring a smooth transition back into civilian life and a secure pathway back to their Air Force roles. These benefits include:
- Medical and Dental Benefits: Full coverage for service members and eligible dependents throughout the intermission period.
- Exchange and Commissary Privileges: Continued access to military exchanges and commissaries.
- Monthly Stipend: Financial support in the form of a monthly stipend, calculated as one-fifteenth of their basic pay.
These provisions underscore the Air Force’s commitment to supporting its members through various life stages, recognizing that personal well-being and diverse experiences can ultimately contribute to a more resilient and well-rounded force.
Maj. Walker’s Story: A Real-Life CIP Experience
Maj. Sandra Walker’s journey with the Career Intermission Program showcases its practical application and positive outcomes. She first encountered the CIP in 2015 at a Women’s Leadership Symposium. Initially, it was just valuable information stored away, not an immediate necessity. However, life took an interesting turn in 2016 when her husband, an active-duty helicopter pilot, received a unique opportunity for a German Air Force immersion program. This presented a crossroads for Maj. Walker’s career and family life.
Relocating to Germany to be near her husband posed career challenges. Potential work locations were geographically distant from her husband’s assignment, and with their first child on the way, family priorities shifted into sharper focus. Maj. Walker began to explore the CIP as a viable solution.
After thorough research and extensive family discussions, the Career Intermission Program emerged as the ideal path forward. It offered the chance to:
- Be closer to family in Germany: Providing invaluable support and connection.
- Be present during her daughter’s early years: Prioritizing family time and bonding.
- Support her husband’s unique career opportunity: Enabling his professional growth without sacrificing family unity.
Addressing Career Concerns & “Out of Sight, Out of Mind”
Despite the clear personal and family benefits, Maj. Walker faced skepticism from some who questioned her decision. Common refrains like “out of sight out of mind” and concerns about derailing a successful career path were voiced. However, Maj. Walker held a different perspective. She countered these concerns by emphasizing that CIP is essentially a temporary career adjustment, not a career ending move. Her rationale was simple: “really all you are doing is delaying your retirement if you plan to stay in for 20 years.”
Furthermore, she believed that allowing Airmen to address personal needs through programs like CIP ultimately strengthens the Air Force. She argued, “allowing people time to focus on their needs for a short period of time, will be advantageous to the Air Force and for the Airmen as a whole.” This forward-thinking viewpoint highlights the potential of CIP to enhance overall Air Force readiness and retention by supporting the holistic well-being of its personnel.
Planning Your CIP: Timelines and Considerations
For those considering the Career Intermission Program, Maj. Walker offers crucial advice: “know your timelines for promotion and professional military education.” This applies across ranks, officers and enlisted alike. She stresses the importance of proactive communication with leadership: “You need to have those conversations with your squadron commander, senior enlisted leader, or senior mentor.”
Strategic planning is key. While the program offers flexibility in separation timing, understanding career progression is vital for a successful return. Maj. Walker advises, “you can separate whenever you want, but you must recognize that when you come back your career hits play right away, consider where do you want to sit and where do you want to be at that time.” This proactive approach ensures a smoother reintegration and alignment with career goals upon returning to active duty.
Returning to Active Duty: A Smooth Transition
Maj. Walker’s return to active duty in 2021 was designed for success, a testament to the CIP’s thoughtful structure. The process began 6-9 months prior to her return, with the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) initiating contact and providing comprehensive support. This included:
- Location Preferences: AFPC engaged in discussions regarding preferred return locations within the U.S.
- Relocation Support: Authorization for travel and transportation allowances to the selected home of residence and subsequent assignment location.
- Medical Clearance: Assistance with medical re-clearance procedures.
- Security Clearance Renewal: Initiation of the security clearance renewal process.
Upon her return, Maj. Walker seamlessly transitioned back into the Air Force, even starting a new chapter at Squadron Officer School (SOS) at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, while her husband attended in-residence Intermediate Developmental Education. Her subsequent roles, including Director of Operations for a student squadron and selection for Air Command and Staff College, underscore that taking a career intermission did not hinder her professional growth.
Reflecting on her reintegration, Maj. Walker noted, “Coming back on active duty was a lot easier than coming off of active duty.” The structured environment and clear expectations of military life provided a sense of familiarity and ease. The main adjustment was personal – “The hardest part was dropping off my kiddos…it was a culture shock and a language shock for them after our time in Germany,” highlighting the family-centric nature of her intermission and return.
While minor adjustments like explaining her rank progression to peers were necessary, Maj. Walker emphasizes that her experience has been overwhelmingly positive. She feels she returned as “an even stronger Airman,” enriched by her experiences and ready to contribute further.
Is CIP Right for You? Walker’s Advice and Key Takeaways
Maj. Walker’s resounding advice to those considering the Career Intermission Program is to seize the opportunity. She describes it as “a once-in-a-career opportunity to focus on yourself, to better yourself and focus on your priorities.” The benefits extend beyond personal fulfillment, contributing to professional growth as well. As she states, “You will gain new perspectives that will make you a better Airman upon your return.”
The USAF Career Intermission Program is designed to be a win-win – supporting Airmen and strengthening the force. Maj. Walker concludes, “No one should hold this break in service against you, you should be proud of the opportunity the DoD provided you, because you will come back on active duty eager to serve, able to apply newfound skills and passions while paving a pathway for other Airmen and ultimately increasing retention across the force.” For service members seeking to balance life’s demands with their commitment to the Air Force, the CIP offers a valuable and supported pathway to do just that.
