MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) – The Career Intermission Pilot Program (CIPP) is a continuum of service initiative that allows Sailors to take a break from active duty without permanently separating, officials said Aug. 28.
As outlined in NAVADMIN 198/13, CIPP provides eligible service members a one-time temporary transition from active duty to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) for one to three years to pursue personal or professional growth outside the service and seamlessly transition back to active duty.
The long term intent of the program is to retain the valuable experience and training service members possess that might otherwise be lost by permanent separation.
During their time in the IRR, participants retain their full medical and dental benefits for themselves and their dependents, as well as Navy Exchange and Commissary benefits. Participants will also receive a small monthly living stipend.
Educational pursuits are considered a legitimate use of the program and service members are eligible to use GI Bill benefits while participating in CIPP, but are not eligible for Tuition Assistance.
Additional obligated service (OBLISERV) is required to participate in the program and service members must OBLISERV two months for every one month they participate in the program.
To date, 25 officers and 22 enlisted Sailors have been accepted into the program, and 15 have completed their career intermission and returned to active duty.
The program is limited by law to the selection of 20 officers and 20 enlisted participants per year and has been extended to 2015.
Sailors should refer to OPNAVINST 1330.2B for rules, eligibility, and application procedures.
Interested Sailors can submit an electronic package to the Chief of Naval Operations Program Managers for consideration. An example CIPP application is available on the CIPP Web Page at www.npc.navy.mil/support/tflw/Pages/CIPP.aspx.
Packages will be reviewed for eligibility and routed to a service member’s detailer and community managers before final approval by Commander, Navy Personnel Command (NPC).
For more information, read NAVADMIN 095/09, NAVADMIN 301/09 and NAVADMIN 089/12. For more news from NPC, visit www.npc.navy.mil.>
For more news from Navy Personnel Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/npc/.