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Bootstrap Programs: Earn a Degree While Serving

There are circumstances when you can pause your military service to pursue a degree or training. Sometimes called “Bootstrap Programs,” these Department of Defense (DOD) or service-specific options permit servicemembers to take a break in military service in order to attend an approved school or training with continued pay and benefits.

You may wonder why the DOD should invest in higher education for servicemembers. Here are a few:

• Force Readiness: Certain career fields, particularly those in modern techniques and technology, require ongoing education. Some of the more familiar ones are technology, Cybersecurity, AI, and medicine
• Enhanced Transition to Employment and Better Outcomes: A degree or credential can improve servicemembers’ employability after transition, leading to greater opportunity and financial stability
• Meeting the Needs of the Military and Civilian Workforce: Many of these fields require a degree or specific credential, and supporting the attainment helps fill vacancies in areas like technology, renewable energy, transportation, health care, and public service
• Retention: The ability to retain members, particularly during a challenging recruitment period, is critical for readiness and consistency throughout the all-volunteer force. Opportunities for degree advancement benefit the service branches, service members, and their families, often leading to longer service commitments.
• Commissioning Pipelines: As the perquisites for officers have grown, degrees are often necessary for advancement. Service members can receive help from this program to move towards an officer position

>> Find VA-approved schools with our School Finder tool.

Military Degree Completion and Career Intermission Programs

There are specific circumstances when you can pause your military service to pursue a degree or professional training. These Department of Defense (DOD) and service-specific options permit members to take a break in service to attend an approved school or training program while continuing to receive pay and benefits.

Why does the military do this? DoD education programs are retention tools that are helpful during challenging recruitment periods. These benefits offer the military member the chance to earn a degree while helping the military maintain expertise in the ranks. We examine some of the key programs below.

Air Force Career Intermission Program (CIP)

The Air Force CIP is a retention tool for Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve members. Participants transition to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) for up to three years. While in the program, members receive a monthly stipend, which is a portion of their basic pay, along with full medical, dental, exchange, and commissary benefits. 

Participants return to active duty at their previous rank and incur a service obligation of one month for every month spent in the program.

Army Career Intermission Program (CIP)

Active-duty officers, warrant officers, and enlisted troops with at least 3 years of service may apply for a break in Army service of up to 3 years.

This time can be used for higher education, family care, or civilian employment. Members receive a portion of their pay and retain healthcare and commissary privileges. The service return is guaranteed, but members incur a service obligation of two months for every month spent in the program.

>> Find VA-approved schools with our School Finder tool.

Navy Career Intermission Program (CIP)

The Navy CIP allows sailors a one to three-year break from active duty to pursue personal or professional goals. Unlike commissioning programs, this is a standalone personnel tool available to mostratings. Participants receive a small monthly stipend and retain full TRICARE and base privileges. The service obligation is a 1:1 ratio, with a maximum obligation of 36 months.

Space Force Career Intermission Program (CIP)

Guardians can apply for a one to three-year break to pursue education or fulfill family obligations. Those approved receive a percentage of base pay and maintain health care, commissary, and base access. The service obligation is on a 1:1 basis.

Marine Career Interruption Program (MCIP)

The Marine Corps offers a limited number of slots for this program. It is intended for degree completion or tending to family needs before returning to military duty. Participants receive a portion of basic pay and retain benefits, with a 1:1 service obligation added to their contract.

>> Find VA-approved schools with our School Finder tool.

Army Green to Gold (GtG)

Enlisted soldiers with over two years of service can pursue a degree and a commission through ROTC.

• Active Duty Option: Soldiers remain on active duty and receive full pay and BAH for 21-24 months. The Army does not pay tuition, but participants may use the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program to cover costs at private or expensive institutions.
• Scholarship Options: These provide full tuition or room and board plus a monthly stipend of approximately $420. Participants are not on active duty during the program.
• Hip-Pocket Scholarship: Division Commanders nominate high-performing soldiers for these competitive scholarships.
• Non-Scholarship Program: Soldiers leave active duty to attend school and use the GI Bill to fund their degree before commissioning.

Seaman to Admiral-21 (STA-21)

STA-21 is what some call the Navy’s “primary commissioning path.” Participants remain on active duty and receive full pay and allowances. The Navy pays up to $10,000 per year toward tuition and fees and the student can manage remaining costs using the GI Bill or other aid. This program is highly competitive and restricted to specific high-need career fields.

Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP)

MECEP allows enlisted Marines to attend an NROTC-affiliated school for up to four years. They do so while still receiving active duty pay and benefits. Participants continue to accrue time in service. Upon graduation, they are commissioned as second lieutenants with a minimum eight-year service commitment.

Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)

The Army, Navy, and Air Force cover 100% tuition and fees, and offer approximately $2,800 a month for medical, dental, and veterinary degree programs. Participants owe one year of service for each year of scholarship received.

Specialized Training Assistance Program (STRAP)

Residents in the National Guard or Reserve in high-shortage specialties may qualify for education benefits, including a monthly stipend of approximately $2,800. For every six months of support, the member owes one year of service.

>> Find VA-approved schools with our School Finder tool.