The U.S. Navy’s Career Intermission Program (CIP) offers a unique opportunity for both officers and enlisted sailors to take a temporary break from active duty. This program allows participants to transition to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) for up to three years, providing a chance to address personal or professional needs while maintaining key benefits and the option to return to active service. CIP is designed to support sailors in achieving a better work-life balance without completely interrupting their naval careers.
Understanding the Navy Career Intermission Program (CIP)
Established in 2009 and now a permanent program, The Career Intermission Program addresses the diverse challenges and opportunities that sailors encounter throughout their careers. It provides a structured pathway for active duty and Full Time Support (FTS) personnel to pursue personal or professional development, family responsibilities, or other significant life events. CIP is not a separation program but rather a strategic intermission, allowing sailors to step away temporarily and then return to contribute their enhanced skills and experiences to the Navy.
Eligibility for the Career Intermission Program
Both officers and enlisted sailors on active duty, including Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) personnel, are eligible to apply for CIP. It is important to note that acceptance into CIP is not automatic and is based on a competitive selection process. Detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures are outlined in OPNAVINST 1330.2C. Interested sailors are encouraged to review this instruction to fully understand the requirements and ensure they meet the necessary qualifications.
Key Benefits of Participating in CIP
The Career Intermission Program offers a comprehensive package of benefits to participants during their time in the IRR:
- Healthcare Coverage: Participants and their dependents retain full medical and dental benefits throughout their intermission period. This ensures continuous healthcare access for families during this transition.
- Exchange and Commissary Privileges: CIP participants continue to enjoy the benefits of using Navy Exchange (NEX) and commissary facilities.
- Reserve Stipend: Participants receive a monthly stipend equivalent to two times 1/30th of their active duty basic pay, providing some financial support during their intermission.
- Relocation Assistance: A one-time CONUS (Continental United States) Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move is authorized to the location of the participant’s choice within the U.S.
- Accrued Leave: Participants have the option to carry forward unused accrued leave (up to 60 days) through their intermission, providing flexibility in managing their leave balance.
- Disability Protections: CIP participants are covered by the same disability processing provisions as active duty members, ensuring medical treatment and support in case of critical illness or injury during the program.
- GI Bill Utilization: Eligible participants can utilize their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits while in the IRR, provided they meet the GI Bill requirements. This offers an opportunity for educational advancement during the intermission.
Service Obligation (OBLISERVE)
Participation in CIP requires a service obligation. For every month spent in the IRR under the program, participants incur a one-month active duty service obligation. This obligated service is in addition to any existing or future active duty obligations. This ensures that the Navy recoups its investment in the sailor’s development and benefits from their continued service post-intermission.
Impact on Promotion and Advancement
During the career intermission, participants are temporarily removed from active duty promotion or advancement consideration. Upon return to active duty, adjustments are made to ensure fair competition in future promotion cycles:
- Officers: The date of rank is adjusted to reflect the time spent in intermission, ensuring officers compete with peers of similar experience levels.
- Enlisted Sailors: Time-in-rate (TIR) and effective date of paygrade are adjusted similarly, maintaining competitive standing with their peer group.
These adjustments are designed to prevent any disadvantage in career progression due to participation in CIP, allowing sailors to resume their upward trajectory upon return.
Application Process and Timeline
Sailors interested in applying for CIP must submit an electronic application package to the PERS-9 Career Intermission Program Manager. The application process requires advance planning, with specific timelines to be followed:
- Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted at least 12 months prior to the projected rotation date (PRD) or “soft” end of active obligated service, whichever comes first.
- Early Communication: Sailors are strongly encouraged to communicate with their detailers early in the process to discuss their interest and ensure proper planning.
The application package undergoes a review process to determine eligibility and is routed through the member’s Detailer (PERS-4) and Community Managers (BUPERS-3) before final approval by Commander, Navy Personnel Command (CNPC). This multi-layered review ensures that CIP participation aligns with both the sailor’s needs and the Navy’s operational requirements.
Considerations for Officers
Officers considering CIP should be aware of specific provisions related to promotion eligibility deferment. According to Section 619(c)(2)(B) of Title 10, U.S.C. and SECNAVINST 1420.1C, officers eligible for in-zone or above-zone promotion board consideration within one year of Active Duty List (ADL) placement may have their eligibility deferred. However, officers can waive this deferment and request promotion consideration in writing to Commander, Navy Personnel Command (PERS-802). It is crucial for officers to manage their records and timelines proactively in relation to promotion boards.
Considerations for Enlisted Sailors
Enlisted sailors considering CIP and interested in future officer commissioning should understand that CIP is separate from the commissioning process. While participating in CIP, enlisted members can apply for commissioning programs. If selected, they can fulfill their CIP obligated service as an officer. However, if not selected, they must be prepared to complete their obligated service in their prior enlisted rating. CIP is not a commissioning program itself, but it does not preclude enlisted participants from pursuing officer opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions about CIP
What exactly is the Career Intermission Program?
The Career Intermission Program (CIP) is a Navy initiative established to help sailors manage life and career challenges. It allows eligible active duty and Full Time Support (FTS) officers and enlisted personnel to take a temporary sabbatical, transitioning into the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) for up to three years. After the intermission, sailors return to active duty with a service obligation equal to their time in the IRR. This program supports various personal and professional pursuits, such as further education, family care, or personal development, ultimately aiming to strengthen the sailor’s overall career and contribution to the Navy.
Has the Career Intermission Program been made permanent?
Yes, the Career Intermission Program has been granted permanent status, reflecting the Navy’s long-term commitment to supporting sailors’ work-life balance and career flexibility.
Who is eligible to apply for the Career Intermission Program?
Active duty sailors, including officers and enlisted personnel, as well as Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) personnel, are eligible to apply for CIP. However, acceptance is not guaranteed, and the program is designed for sailors who meet specific criteria and whose participation aligns with Navy needs. OPNAVINST 1330.2C provides detailed eligibility requirements.
What are the primary advantages of participating in CIP?
Participating in CIP offers numerous benefits, including continued medical and dental coverage for sailors and their dependents, commissary and Navy Exchange privileges, a monthly stipend, a one-time CONUS PCS move, the ability to carry over accrued leave, disability protection, and the option to utilize the GI Bill. These benefits provide significant support and flexibility during the intermission period.
Can I use my GI Bill benefits during my Career Intermission?
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 GI Bill eligibility requirements. This offers a valuable opportunity for participants to pursue educational goals during their time away from active duty. However, Tuition Assistance (TA) is not authorized during CIP participation.
How will CIP affect my opportunities for promotion or advancement?
During the intermission, participants are not considered for promotion or advancement. Upon returning to active duty, the Navy adjusts the date of rank for officers and time-in-rate for enlisted sailors to ensure they remain competitive with their peers who have similar levels of experience. This adjustment ensures that CIP participation does not negatively impact long-term career progression.
Is it possible for officers to use CIP to pursue another degree and then transfer to a different community?
Yes, officers can potentially use the time during CIP to pursue further education and then seek a lateral transfer to a different community upon return. However, the Career Intermission Program and the Lateral Transfer process are separate. Selection for a lateral transfer is not guaranteed, and officers must be prepared to return to active duty in their original designator if a transfer is not approved.
Can enlisted sailors use CIP to complete a bachelor’s degree and then return as officers?
Enlisted sailors can use CIP to pursue a bachelor’s degree and apply for officer commissioning programs separately. If selected for commissioning, they can fulfill their CIP service obligation as an officer. However, commissioning is not guaranteed, and sailors must be prepared to complete their obligated service in their enlisted rating if not selected for an officer program. CIP is not a commissioning pathway in itself.
What if I am currently in the process of negotiating orders; can I still apply for CIP?
Sailors are advised to continue with their order negotiation process even while applying for CIP. However, according to OPNAVINST 1330.2C, sailors who are under PCS orders are generally ineligible for CIP. It is crucial to communicate with detailers early and openly about interest in CIP, especially when orders are being considered.
For further information, please refer to OPNAVINST 1330.2C for complete rules, eligibility details, and application procedures. For any questions, contact the Career Intermission Program Manager at [email protected].
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