Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, today introduced legislation that would make permanent a pilot program that currently allows officers and enlisted service members to take a short “sabbatical” in order to improve work-life balance.
“Encouraging our men and women in uniform to continue their service while maintaining a healthy work-life balance will help to create a more well-rounded military,” said Banks. “As we look for new and innovative ways to boost the recruitment and retention of our armed forces, preserving the highly successful Career Intermission Program will offer our dedicated soldiers, sailors, pilots and marines the opportunity to pursue career paths they couldn’t explore otherwise.”
Background
The Career Intermission Program (CIP) currently allows officers and enlisted service members to temporarily transfer out of the active duty component and into the Individual Ready Reserve for up to three years while retaining full health care coverage and base privileges, as well as part of their salary. This transfer extends their active duty service requirement by twice their time of leave.
Currently, the CIP is a highly successful pilot program set to expire in 2019, and Congressman Banks’ legislation, the Military Career Intermission Program of 2018, will make the program permanent.
