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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Army is expanding opportunities for soldiers to participate in its Career Intermission Pilot Program, according to a new directive from the secretary of the Army.
The program steadily gained in popularity with the Navy Department, which viewed it as a potential major retention incentive for top-quality sailors and Marines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Army was slower to offer the program, because at the time the service was trying to grow and was not supportive of any program that would draw, even temporarily, quality troops from the active-duty force, officials said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Army program<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Army launched its version of the program in 2014, allowing soldiers to take a break of up to three years to pursue personal or professional goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the program has struggled to gain popularity among troops, who may worry about how taking a three-year break may impact their careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since 2014, 14 soldiers have entered the program \u2014 three officers and 11 enlisted. One officer and two enlisted personnel have returned to active duty, leaving 11 soldiers in the Career Intermission Pilot Program, according to the Army G-1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reasons for signing up could include education enrollment, time to care for aging parents or even to align assignment cycles as members of the Married Army Couples Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Soldiers could even use the time to see the world or complete other personal adventure goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n