How I Got 2 Years Off of the Military

It’s difficult to maintain the active duty military lifestyle for 20+ years straight. People want to have babies, go to school, tend to mental health, care for sick family members, or travel the world. In my own career I have seen of number of people separate for reasons such as these, but there is an alternative. You can, as it turns out, have your cake and eat it too.

The Army Career Intermission Program

The Career Intermission Program (CIP) is an Army program that provides soldiers an opportunity to temporarily separate from active duty to pursue personal or professional goals. If approved, soldiers can take a one to three year hiatus and the program promises a seamless return to active duty upon completion. Officially launched in 2014, CIP was designed as a retention tool for the Army. It’s a win-win: the soldier gets to do what they need to do (while keeping job security), and the Army retains a trained and experienced employee. 

Selection for CIP requires approval from the individual’s chain of command and a CIP selection panel. I have been approved for a two-year separation through CIP, or as I like to call it, a “mini-retirement.” Though the program advertises that there are no set reasons to apply, I wasn’t sure if my reasons – basically to scratch my adventure itch – would count as a valid reason. All I can say is that it worked for me. 

Some program details:

• Participants are obligated to a 1-1 commitment for every month they participate in the program. For example, if you take 12 months off, you will owe 12 months back to the Army upon return. This in addition to the amount of time remaining on your current contract. 
• Participants receive 2/30ths of their base pay during CIP. For me as an E7 with 13 years time in service, this comes out to about $300 per month. It’s worth pointing out that CIP is not for everyone; you must to be in a financial position to temporarily lose your military paycheck.
• Participants and their dependents retain the same healthcare they have on active duty. This is huge!
• The Army will pay to move you to your designated CIP location. Because my wife and I are staying here in Virginia Beach, we won’t be able to take advantage of this benefit, but it would be super helpful for those who would need to move. 

Does this all sound too good to be true? I think so too.

It baffles me that this program isn’t talked about more. I personally don’t know anyone else who has participated. Most of the people I talk to are stunned to learn that such a program even exists. Because this program is so rare, the procedures to temporarily process a soldier out of the Army are unfamiliar to most everyone involved. I definitely expect some bumps along the way in the administrative process, but that’s a small price to pay for the chance of a lifetime. 

My mini-retirment begins February 1, 2023. I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences with you!

Learn More

You can learn more about CIP here. If you’re in the Army and interested in applying to CIP, talk to your leadership and/or career counselor. If you want to hear more about my experience applying for the program, feel free to contact me.