Thursday, May 07, 2009
Determined to keep its best officers and enlisted men from leaving the service entirely, the U.S. Navy has become the first branch of the armed services to allow personnel to step out of their uniforms—and maintain their health benefits—for up to three years, before rejoining the Navy. Part of the Navy’s effort to become a more flexible employer, the Career Intermission Pilot Program is currently allowing 20 officers and 20 enlisted sailors to take sabbaticals so they can do things such as go back to school or care for an elderly parent.
The program is intended for “high performers” or those quickly climbing through the ranks who need some time away from their duties. The Navy intends to continue the pilot project until 2012, and if deemed successful, will then make it permanent.
Sailors in the program retain their TRICARE health benefits for them and their families, and they receive a small portion of their salary. But in return for their time off, the sailors must then fulfill a commitment in active service that is twice as long as their sabbatical, in addition to any other outstanding obligations.
In addition to the pilot project, the Navy is offering a telecommuting program for certain personnel, and it is considering allowing some positions to be part-time. Navy leaders are also working on ways to allow sailors to shift more easily from active duty to reserve forces.
-Noel Brinkerhoff
Navy Lets Sailors Take Break From Service (by Bryan Mitchell, Military.com)
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