Career Intermission Program application window opens

  • Published
  • By Kat Bailey
  • Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
Air Force officials are accepting applications for the Career Intermission Program through Sept. 12 from active-duty and career status active Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Airmen.

CIP provides select Airmen the opportunity for a one-time temporary transition from active duty to the Individual Ready Reserve, for up to three years, to meet personal or professional needs outside the service while also providing a mechanism for a seamless return to active duty.

"The program offers high performing Airmen the opportunity to focus on priorities outside of the Air Force without ending his or her career early," said Steve Tupeck, 66th Force Support Squadron Military Personnel Section chief. "The program provides an effective means to enhance retention."

Program participants sign an agreement that says they will to return to active duty in the same component from which they separated, and serve two months of active duty for every month of CIP participation.

New this year, Airmen currently receiving a critical skills retention bonus may apply, provided their application is based on an unanticipated hardship. In the past, if they received a CSRB, they were ineligible for CIP.

Airmen in the program receive a monthly stipend equal to one-fifteenth of their basic pay and retain full active-duty medical and dental benefits for themselves and their eligible dependents. They'll also be able to carry forward their leave balance as long as it doesn't exceed 60 days.

Both Airmen in a military couple may apply for CIP participation in their own right, provided both are otherwise eligible.

According to Adriana Bazan, an Air Force Personnel Center CIP military personnel specialist, the approval is not guaranteed.

"Air Force manning and mission requirements will be considered when evaluating applications for approval or disapproval," she said. "We tell all Airmen applying for CIP that they shouldn't begin outside employment or relocate their families based on an assumption their application will be approved."

Time spent in CIP doesn't count toward eligibility for retirement, computation of total years of service, years of aviation service or years of service toward basic pay, nor are participants eligible for promotion consideration while in CIP.

The total force selection panel is scheduled to convene in October at the AFPC.

Additional information and eligibility requirements can be found on myPers; select "Any" from the search function and enter keyword "CIP."

For further information on this program and others, contact the 66 FSS Military Personnel Section at 781-225-1320.