Text of H.R. 8070: Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Reported by House Committee version) (2024)

to increase the lethality of the combined fighting force of the Army by providing reserve component and National Guard infantry units with the opportunity to conduct realistic live fire training on state-of-the-art moving robotic target systems; and

to demonstrate the effect of such training on small arms proficiency and lethality in ground combat operations.

the past performance of the unit;

the readiness status of the unit, with an emphasis on providing training to those units designated as preparing to deploy or at a similarly designated readiness status; and

the likelihood that a unit would be actively deployed or commanded to conduct decisive action.

the manner in which the program was conducted at such installation; and

any results achieved under the program at such installation.

In general

The Secretary of the Army is authorized to enter into one or more contracts for the procurement of moving robotic target systems for use in the pilot program under subsection (a).

Required capabilities

Robotic target systems procured under paragraph (1) shall be capable of—

a certification from the Secretary indicating that Federal Government-owned production facilities for such materials in the United States have reached production capacity;

a summary of the information on which such certification is based.

The term covered source means any provider of energetic materials outside of the United States.

The term end item has the meaning given that term in section 4863(m) of title 10, United States Code.

The term energetic materials means critical chemicals and formulations that—

in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking and the CVN–81 and inserting the CVN–81, and each subsequent Ford-class aircraft carrier; and

by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:

.

CH–53K aircraft.

T408 engines for such aircraft.

provided only to the Navy Reserve; and

used only to recapitalize and maintain, within the Navy Reserve—

constructing the Medium Landing Ship using military specifications; and

constructing such ship using commercial standards and commercial design elements.

to result in greater performance, survivability, lethality, interoperability, mission execution, and overall safety of the helicopter platform than would otherwise be achievable by completing such upgrades at a facility owned by the original equipment manufacturer for the model of helicopter involved;

to provide improved onboard electrical power capacity and ensure adequate power margin for integrating future capabilities;

to improve and expand future weapons interfaces; and

to allow for improved ease of maintenance.

The aircraft carriers of the Navy are a cornerstone of the Nation’s ability to project its power and strength.

Construction of Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers represents a national effort which requires predictable and stable build schedules and alignment of purpose between the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy, and the aircraft carrier industrial base.

The aircraft carrier industrial base includes more than 2,000 companies in 44 states that contribute to the construction and maintenance of these complex and technologically advanced ships.

The benefits of stable, executable aircraft carrier procurement plans extend throughout the aircraft carrier industrial base, promoting the development and retention of highly-skilled workforces and capital investments in world-class manufacturing and shipbuilding facilities throughout the Nation.

Aircraft carrier procurement plans accompanying the President’s budget request for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 forecast procurement of CVN–82 in fiscal year 2028, however, the fiscal year 2025 plan defers procurement until fiscal year 2030, creating a significant and destabilizing production gap for the aircraft carrier industrial base.

the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Navy should implement aircraft carrier acquisition strategies that maximize benefits to operational commanders while simultaneously protecting the interests of the taxpayer and supporting the national nuclear shipbuilding industrial base;

the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Navy should review and revise the acquisition strategy, including a two-ship buy of CVN–82 and CVN–83, for Ford-class aircraft carriers in the President’s budget request for fiscal year 2026 to ensure it is consistent with accepted shipbuilding industrial base analyses, prior Department recommendations, reports to Congress, congressional resolutions, section 8062 of title 10, United States Code, and national security interests; and

the Secretary of Defense should request procurement of the CVN–82 carrier not later than fiscal year 2028.

In general

Section 9062(j) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking 466 each place it appears and inserting 474.

Effective date

The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on October 1, 2024.

In general

None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for the Air Force may be obligated or expended to reduce the number of KC–135 aircraft designated as primary mission aircraft inventory within the reserve components of the Air Force.

Primary mission aircraft inventory defined

In this subsection, the term primary mission aircraft inventory has the meaning given that term in section 9062(i)(2)(B) of title 10, United States Code.

In general

The Secretary of the Air Force may not retire, prepare to retire, or place in storage or on backup aircraft inventory status any F–15E aircraft until a period of 180 days has elapsed following the date on which the Secretary of Defense provides to the congressional defense committees the reports and briefing required under subsection (b)(3).

Exception

The prohibition under paragraph (1) of shall not apply to individual F–15E aircraft that the Secretary of the Air Force determines, on a case by case basis, to be no longer mission capable and uneconomical to repair because of aircraft accidents, mishaps, or excessive material degradation and non-airworthiness status of certain aircraft.

Conforming repeal

Section 9062 of title 10, United States Code, as most recently amended by sections 131 and 132 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31), is amended—

Study

The Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into a contract or other agreement with a federally funded research and development center pursuant to which the center shall carry out—

Report to Secretary

The federally funded research and development center that carries out the study and analysis under paragraph (1) shall submit to the Secretary of Defense a report on the results of such study and analysis.

Reports and briefing to Congress

Not later than December 31, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall—

F–15, F–16, F–22, and F–35 aircraft; and

the Next Generation Air Dominance piloted combat aircraft.

the planned milestones for execution of the implementation plan;

any data, staff, and funding needed to effectively carry out such plan; and

the progress of the Secretary in meeting such milestones as of the date of the report.

an estimate of the costs of maintaining F–16 simulators at Air National Guard training centers that have such simulators as of the date of the plan;

an estimate of the costs of establishing F–16 simulators at all Air National Guard training centers that are required to, but do not, have such simulators as of the date of the plan, including training centers for Air National Guard units converting from the A–10 aircraft to the F–16 aircraft; and

a plan for allocating funding to pay the costs described in paragraphs (1) and (2), including the proportion of such funding expected to be provided by the Air Force and the Air National Guard, respectively.

the plan developed under subsection (a); and

an assessment from the Secretary and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau evaluating how the readiness of Air National Guard Units requiring F–16 simulators may be affected if such simulators are not established and maintained at mission training centers as required under the plan.

The fixed-base operator is able to maintain a minimum onsite fuel storage capacity equal to twice the preceding year’s peak day of fuel demand at the airport, at least half of which is comprised of fixed tanks.

Evidence that the fixed-base operator’s total number of employees is sufficient to service military customers 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and 365 days per year.

The fixed-based operator is capable of performing a full range of cargo on-load, off-load, and handling operations, including for dangerous goods and cargo, for military aircraft of all sizes.

The fixed-base operator possesses an onsite, certified maintenance and repair station.

The fixed-based operator has an operational history of providing services to heavy-lift aircraft at the airport involved for at least three years preceding the operator’s bid to perform into-plane fuel deliveries.

Any other factors the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency determines appropriate.

a covered light detection and ranging technology (referred to in this section as LiDAR technology) that—

a system or systems that incorporates, interfaces with, or otherwise uses LiDAR technology as described in paragraph (1).

The term covered foreign country means any of the following:

The term covered LiDAR company means any of the following:

The term covered LiDAR technology means LiDAR technology and any related services and equipment manufactured by a covered LiDAR company.

The terms light detection and ranging and LiDAR mean a sensor that emits light, often in the form of a pulsed or modulated laser, and scans or flashes the environment to detect and measure the range of its surroundings.

The Secretary has developed and will implement an acquisition strategy, with appropriate actions and milestones, to develop and field F–35 aircraft and mission systems digital-twin models across the F–35 enterprise.

The Secretary has developed and will implement an acquisition strategy, with appropriate actions and milestones, to procure at least one new cooperative avionics flying test bed aircraft for the F–35 enterprise.

The Secretary has developed and will implement an acquisition strategy, with appropriate actions and milestones, to procure and construct a new F–35 mission software integration laboratory to enable concurrent testing of TR–2 and TR–3 mission system hardware, software, and any existing or new F–35 capabilities.

The Secretary has developed and will implement a plan of corrective actions and milestones to resolve all deficiencies and recommendations identified in the 2024 F–35 Initial Operational Testing and Evaluation report submitted to Congress by the Director of Operational Testing and Evaluation.

The Secretary has developed and will implement a plan of corrective actions and milestones to minimize F–35 new aircraft production interruptions and resolve all programmatic deficiencies with F–35 APG–85 radar hardware and software related to the development, testing, acceptance, certification, production, and fielding of the radar as identified by the Director of the F–35 Joint Program Office.

The Secretary has developed and will implement a plan of corrective actions and milestones to resolve all deficiencies and recommendations identified in the report of the F–35 software Independent Review Team commissioned by the Secretary of the Air Force and the Director of the F–35 Joint Program Office.

The Secretary has developed and will implement a corrective action plan with appropriate actions, milestones, necessary technical data and other resources, and metrics for measuring improvements, to address long-standing sustainment challenges and improve fleetwide mission capable and full mission capable rates for F–35 aircraft. At a minimum, such plan shall provide for—

The Secretary has submitted all acquisition strategies and corrective action plans described in paragraphs (1) through (7) to the congressional defense committees as required under subsection (b).

The Secretary has met the requirements of subsections (b)(5) and (c) of section 226 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 196).

In general

The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees all acquisition strategies and corrective action plans described in paragraphs (1) through (7) of subsection (a).

Elements

Each strategy and plan submitted under paragraph (1) shall include—

Form

Each strategy and plan described in paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.

Thirty F–35A aircraft.

Nine F–35B aircraft.

Nine F–35C aircraft.

In general

Not later than April 1, 2025, and on an annual basis thereafter for the following five years, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes a comprehensive update on all corrective action plans and acquisition strategies that—

Form

Each report under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified annex.

that are authorized to be procured using funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for the Department of Defense; and

the procurement of which is fully funded by the United States.

In general

The Secretary of the Air Force and the Secretary of the Navy, in coordination with the commanders of the combatant commands, shall jointly conduct an assessment of the sufficiency of established inventory requirements for air-to-air missiles within the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of such Secretaries.

Elements

In conducting the assessment required under paragraph (1), the Secretaries shall evaluate—

In general

In conjunction with the assessment required under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Air Force shall conduct a cost-benefit and technical risk assessment of developing and procuring an extended range AIM–120D missile.

Elements

In conducting the assessment under paragraph (1), the Secretary of the Air Force shall—

the Secretary of the Air Force and the Secretary of the Navy shall jointly submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the assessment conducted under subsection (a), which shall include a summary of the results of the assessment with respect to each element specified in subsection (a)(2); and

the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the assessment conducted under subsection (b), which shall include a copy of the budget profile and schedule required under subsection (b)(2)(D).

.

in paragraph (1), by striking and at the end;

in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

.

.

by striking subsection (f); and

by redesignating subsections (g) and (h) as subsections (f) and (g), respectively.

; and

in paragraph (1)—

in paragraph (2), by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:

.

To develop and implement a strategy to transition capabilities developed under the Agility Prime program of the Air Force to program executive offices of the covered Armed Forces, as appropriate.

To provide a forum for members of the Working Group to coordinate activities relating to hybrid and electric vertical takeoff and landing capabilities developed under the Agility Prime program, including—

To identify programs, projects, activities, and requirements of the covered Armed Forces that may be supported by technologies and capabilities developed under the Agility Prime program, including hybrid and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, advanced air mobility platforms, autonomous flight capabilities, test and evaluation software, and related technologies.

To identify requirements of the combatant commands and the covered Armed Forces relating to distributed and contested logistics, mobility and sustainment, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, strike, and other operational use cases that align with previous, ongoing, or planned efforts under the Agility Prime program.

To assess whether previous, ongoing, or planned efforts under the Agility Prime program and other vertical take off and landing aircraft capability development efforts align with other current, planned, or future acquisition programs of the covered Armed Forces.

Identify any changes to doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership, personnel, facilities, and policy (commonly known as DOTMLPF–P) required to successfully integrate hybrid and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft platforms into future force design.

To assess how the authorities and resources of the Department of Defense may be used to support the advanced air mobility and hybrid and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft industries, including support in the form of loans, loan guarantees, private investment matching programs, and other financial mechanisms.

To assist the Secretary of the Air Force in preparing the briefing and reports required under subsection (g).

The Secretary of the Air Force.

Each Secretary of a military department.

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.

The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

The Director of the Defense Innovation Unit.

The Director of the Office of Strategic Capital.

A representative from the United States Special Operations Command.

A representative from the United States Transportation Command.

Representatives of such other organizations and elements of the Department of Defense as the Chairperson of the Working Group determines appropriate.

Initial briefing

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the status of the Working Group, which shall include information on the organization, activities, plans, actions, and milestones of the Working Group as of the date of the briefing.

Annual report

Not later than September 30, 2025, and not later than September 30 of each year thereafter through 2027, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the efforts of the Working Group. Each report shall include, with respect to the year covered by the report, information on—

The term Agility Prime program means the program of the Air Force under which the Air Force is developing hybrid and electric vertical takeoff and landing capabilities in collaboration with partners in commercial industry and other sectors.

The term covered Armed Forces means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.

In general

The Secretary of Defense shall develop a strategic plan to guide the research, development, test, and evaluation, procurement, and implementation of quantum information science (referred to in this section as QIS) technologies within the Department of Defense, including the covered Armed Forces, over the period of five years following the date of the enactment of this Act.

Elements

The plan required under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

Report

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—

In general

The Secretary of Defense shall establish a Quantum Computing Center of Excellence (referred to in this subsection as the Center) at a research laboratory of a covered Armed Force with requisite experience in quantum computing, integrated photonics and photon qubits, superconducting and hybrid systems, and trapped ions.

Activities

The Center shall carry out the following activities:

Partner organizations

For purposes of carrying out the activities of the Center under this subsection, the research laboratory selected under paragraph (1) may partner with one or more of the following:

Contract Authority

Subject to availability of appropriations, Secretary of Defense may make grants and enter into contracts or other agreements, on a competitive basis, to support the activities of the Center.

Termination

The Center shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

The term covered Armed Force means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force.

The term quantum computing means computing algorithms and applications that use quantum mechanics through quantum processing units, including—

The term quantum information science means the use of the laws of quantum physics for the storage, transmission, manipulation, computing, or measurement of information.

to enable the Office of Strategic Capital and other organizations and elements of the Department of Defense to rapidly acquire industry-specific context and technical competence across high priority technology and industrial focus areas through immersion in highly relevant emerging technology and business ecosystems across the United States; and

to enhance, among personnel of the Department—

use an information technology system to optimize the identification, assessment, and placement of participants within the program, which shall include the use of such system to match private-sector organizations with employees of the Office participating in the program in a manner that aligns the priorities, needs, and expertise of such employees, organizations, and the Office; and

establish a database or other capability that—

develops an alternative testing and evaluation pathway to accelerate the testing and evaluation of technologies that have the potential to provide warfighting capabilities to the Department of Defense in the near-term and mid-term timeframes; and

establishes a cell of dedicated personnel within the Unit to manage and implement the alternative testing and evaluation pathway developed under paragraph (1).

conduct continuous and iterative test and evaluation of technologies that have the potential to provide warfighting capabilities to the Department of Defense in the near-term and mid-term timeframes, including—

use tools and technologies to emulate operationally relevant threat scenarios and conditions; and

integrate the development of concepts of operations and concepts of employment with testing and evaluation activities conducted under the program to ensure early alignment between capability development and future concepts of operations and concepts of employment.

service-level innovation organizations;

research laboratories of the Armed Forces;

the combatant commands;

the Joint Staff;

the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment;

the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering;

the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation;

the Director of the Test Resource Management Center;

industry partners; and

Federal, State, local, and international partners with test and evaluation infrastructure.

fully disassemble a drone aircraft made by the Chinese technology company Da Jiang Innovations (DJI); and

determine the origin of each component of such drone aircraft.

a list of each component found in the drone, including the origin of the component and manufacturer information;

a description of any security vulnerabilities that were identified in the course of disassembling the drone.

to carry out limited objective experiments in operationally relevant environments;

to develop persistent instrumentation and infrastructure for field experimentation and other innovation activities supporting the Air Force and joint service multi-domain mission set; and

to identify capabilities for the Air Force multi-domain operations enterprise that have the potential to generate life-cycle cost savings and provide data-driven approaches to resource allocation.

Submission

Waiver issuance

The Secretary of Defense—

Notification to Congress

Not later than 2 weeks prior to issuing a waiver under paragraph (2), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives written notice of the intent of the Secretary to issue such waiver together with a justification for such waiver.

Application of waivers

A waiver issued under this section to a covered institution of higher education with respect to a contract shall only—

In general

In the case of a covered institution of higher education that entered into contract with a covered nation or foreign entity of concern prior to January 1, 2026, and which contract remains in effect on such date—

Renewal

A covered institution of higher education that has entered into a contract described in paragraph (1), the term of which is longer than the waiver period described in subparagraph (B) of such paragraph and the terms and conditions of which remain the same as the contract submitted as part of the request required under subparagraph (A) of such paragraph, may submit a request for renewal of the waiver issued under such paragraph in accordance with subsection (c)(1)(B).

be a current employee or legally authorized agent of such institution; and

be responsible, on behalf of such institution, for personally certifying—

the terms and contents of any waivers issued under this section in the period covered by the report;

any trends in—

the processes used by the Secretary to verify that covered institutions of higher education are in compliance with the requirements of this section.

The term contract means—

The term covered institution of higher education means an institution of higher education that conducts research funded by the Department of Defense.

The term foreign entity of concern has the meaning given that term in section 10612(a) of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (42 U.S.C. 19221(a)) and includes a foreign entity that is identified on the list published under section 1286(c)(9)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note).

The term covered nation has the meaning given that term in section 4872(d) of title 10, United States Code.

The term institution of higher education has the meaning given that term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002).

Funding certification

As a condition of receiving funds from the Department of Defense, an institution of higher education shall certify to the Secretary of Defense that the principal investigator of the project of the institution that is applying for funding from the Department of Defense—

Contract certification

As a condition of maintaining a contract with the Department of Defense, an institution of higher education shall—

Frequency

An institution of higher education shall—

In general

On an annual basis, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the compliance of the Department of Defense and institutions of higher education with the requirements of this section. Each report shall include, for each waiver issued under subsection (b) in the period covered by the report—

Form; public availability

Each report under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form and shall be made available on a publicly accessible website of the Department of Defense.

The term foreign entity of concern has the meaning given that term in section 10612(a) of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (42 U.S.C. 19221(a)) and includes a foreign entity that is identified on the list published under section 1286(c)(9)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note).

The term institution of higher education has the meaning given that term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002) and includes—

The term fundamental research means basic and applied research in science and engineering, the results of which are expected to be published and shared broadly within the scientific community. Such term does not include research that is proprietary or classified and subject to access restrictions under other provisions of Federal law.

The term collaboration means any level of coordinated activity between an institution of higher education and an entity described in subsection (a), whether direct or indirect, formal or informal, and includes—

The term appropriate congressional committees means—

The term covered nation has the meaning given that term in section 4872(d) of title 10, United States Code.

the testing of artificial intelligence models trained on biological data; and

the development and testing of products generated by such models.

Designation

The secure computing and data storage environment described in subsection (a) shall be known as the AIxBio sandbox.

Computing and data storage infrastructure

The AIxBio sandbox shall consist of a secure computing and data storage infrastructure to be used for the testing and development activities described in subsection (a). To the extent feasible, such infrastructure shall be assembled from the existing computing and data storage infrastructure organizations and elements of the Department of Defense with relevant capabilities, such as the Test Resource Management Center and the AI Accelerator of the Department of the Air Force.

Responsible official

The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall be responsible for—

Selection of projects

The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall—

Partnerships

Other elements

The plan shall address—

submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes the plan developed under subsection (a); and

provide to the Committees a briefing on the plan.

A comparative analysis of current foreign capital disclosure requirements used by organizations within the Department of Defense that engage with commercial entities backed by private equity or venture capital funds, including the Defense Innovation Unit, National Security Innovation Capital, and other such organizations within the Department.

An assessment of any business intelligence, due diligence information, classified information, and other information sources available to such organizations to assist the organizations in formulating and executing foreign capital disclosure requirements.

An assessment of the extent to which such foreign capital disclosure requirements are shared with commercial entities.

An assessment of best practices for foreign capital disclosure requirements across the Department of Defense, including best practices for flexibly implementing such requirements based upon real or perceived risks.

An assessment of the feasibility of harmonizing the best practices as described in paragraph (4) across the Department of Defense in a responsive manner.

An analysis of foreign capital disclosure requirements that are used elsewhere within the Federal Government and in the Governments of international allies and partners of the United States.

An assessment of such other factors as may be relevant to inform the implementation of coordinated, effective foreign capital disclosure requirements across the Department of Defense and the Governments of international allies and partners of the United States.

In general

Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the study conducted under subsection (a).

Form of report

The report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

clearly articulate the strategic objectives of the Department of Defense relating to biotechnology;

for each strategic objective, establish specific goals and milestones for the achievement of such objective, including timelines for meeting such goals and milestones;

in the case of each updated version of the roadmap following submittal of the initial roadmap under subsection (d)(1), include—

separately identify each biotechnology effort covered by the strategy, including any programs, projects, or other activities associated with such effort within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Armed Forces, and other organizations of the Department, and for each such effort provide—

identify and describe the role of each organization of the Department with responsibilities relating to biotechnology under the strategy;

establish metrics to measure the progress of the Department in meeting the objectives, goals, and milestones under the strategy;

based on such metrics, assess the progress of the Department in meeting such objectives, goals, and milestones;

based on the results of such assessment, make any necessary adjustments to the planning and execution of the roadmap to ensure the Department makes continuous progress toward achieving the objectives under paragraph (1);

assess the overall risk to the security of the United States of the biotechnology efforts covered by the strategy;

analyze any requirements of the Federal Government that hinder the ability of the Department to advance and use biotechnology;

provide for the development and support of the biotechnology workforce of the Department, including personnel with responsibilities relating directly to biotechnology and personnel who indirectly support the biotechnology efforts of the Department such as personnel involved program management, acquisition, investment, and legal matters;

with respect to the biotechnology workforce described in paragraph (11)—

address collaboration between the Department and international partners to advance research on biotechnology, which shall include—

the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering;

the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment;

the Secretaries of the military departments; and

such other officials of the Department of Defense as the Secretary determines appropriate.

Initial submission

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees the roadmap developed under subsection (a).

Annual updates

Not less frequently than once every two years following the submittal of the initial roadmap under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—

Form

Each version of the roadmap required to be submitted under this subsection may be submitted in classified form, but if so submitted, shall include an unclassified executive summary.

conduct an assessment of—

develop recommendations with respect to useful indications of any advancement of such adversaries regarding such capabilities.

appoint appropriate Department of Defense employees as liaisons to the center to support the timely conduct of the assessment described in subsection (b)(1);

provide the center with access to materials relevant to the conduct of such assessment, consistent with the protection of sources and methods and other critically sensitive information; and

ensure that appropriate members and staff of the center have the necessary clearances, obtained in an expedited manner, to conduct such assessment.

In general

If the Secretary enters into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center under this section, not later than October 1, 2025, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees and the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology a report that includes the findings and recommendations of the center developed pursuant to the assessment described in subsection (b)(1).

Form of report

The report under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.

Transmittal to other Department entities

The Secretary shall transmit to relevant offices of the Department of Defense, including the offices of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, and the Office of Net Assessment, a copy of the report under paragraph (1).

Carrying out science-based management and control programs to reduce the effect of the coconut rhinoceros beetle on military installations and to prevent the introduction or spread of the coconut rhinoceros beetle to areas where such beetle has not yet been established.

Providing support for interagency and intergovernmental response efforts to control, interdict, monitor, and eradicate the coconut rhinoceros beetle.

Pursuing chemical, biological, and other control techniques, technology transfer, and best practices to support management, control, interdiction and, where possible, eradication of the coconut rhinoceros beetle from Hawaii.

Establishing an early detection and rapid response mechanism to monitor and deploy coordinated efforts if the coconut rhinoceros beetle, or another newly detected invasive alien species, is detected at new sites on military installations in Hawaii.

Carrying out such other activities as the Secretary determines appropriate to manage, control, and interdict the coconut rhinoceros beetle on military installations in Hawaii.

A review of current Department of Defense protocols and procedures, including gaps and differences between military installations, for biosecurity and to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species in the State of Hawaii.

A review of the efforts and progress of the Department of Defense in implementing the relevant recommendations of the 2015 Regional Biosecurity Plan for Micronesia and Hawaii.

A plan to—

The term invasive species has the meaning given such term in section 10(a)(4) of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 666c-1(a)(4)).

The term biosecurity means measures taken to protect against biological agents that pose a threat to public health, plant or animal health, or the environment.

be used in tandem with an on-site microgrid in order to improve the resiliency and redundancy of power generation at the facility; and

be powered by conventional or renewable propane.

The term microgrid has the meaning given such term in section 641(b)(6) of the United States Energy Storage Competitiveness Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17231(b)(6)).

The term propane has the meaning given such term in section 3(6) of the Propane Education and Research Act of 1006 (15 U.S.C. 6402(6)).

improve the required inspection procedures for the prepositioned stockpiles of the Armed Force concerned, for the purpose of identifying deficiencies and conducting maintenance repairs at levels necessary to ensure such prepositioned stockpiles are mission capable; and

with respect to the Navy and Marine Corps, provide an analysis of the readiness of ships that hold or facilitate the off-loading of prepositioned stocks and suggestions for improving inspection procedures of such ships.

Briefing on plan

Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretaries and the Commandant shall each provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the plan developed under subsection (a).

Briefings on status of prepositioned stockpiles

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 180 days thereafter for the three-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretaries and the Commandant shall each provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the status and condition of the prepositioned stockpiles of the Armed Force concerned.

the Navy, with respect to the Secretary of the Navy;

the Marine Corps with respect to the Commandant of the Marine Corps; and

the Air Force, with respect to the Secretary of the Air Force.

optimize logistics operations and inventory management, specifically within the United States Indo-Pacific Command Area of Responsibility;

improve military force readiness;

streamline materiel distribution and logistics optimization;

improve situational awareness by providing predictions driven by a modular, probabilistic simulation of logistics processes in the face of uncertainty;

enhance productivity by minimizing and, where possible, automating reporting and inter- actions with data systems; and

scale Marine Corps integration of AI-enhanced logistics and supply chain solutions to solve operational challenges.

a description of the logistics and supply chain problem sets that were evaluated by the pilot program;

an assessment of the impact of using AI to solve supply chain and logistics challenges, including any changes to readiness, budget efficiency, and productivity of military equipment and materiel;

any barriers identified to using AI to solve supply chain and logistics challenges;

recommendations regarding how the Department of Defense can better leverage artificial intelligence to address supply chain and logistics challenges in a contested environment;

an assessment of the impact of AI software solutions on visibility of materiel at different levels of command within the Marine Corps; and

the viability of expanding these software solutions to other units and areas of responsibility.

in paragraph (1)—

in paragraph (2)—

.

in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 and inserting 2025, 2026, and 2027;

in paragraph (1)—

in paragraph (2), by striking as a result of such review; and

an identification of such training standards and equipment that, as of the date of the enactment of this Act, are in use by such teams and the extent to which such training and equipment is standard across firefighter rapid intervention teams located at different Department facilities;

an identification of such training standards and equipment that, as of the date of the enactment of this Act, are in use by such teams at Department naval and port facilities and a determination by the Secretary of whether such training and equipment is sufficient to prepare such teams for fires on the various ships that dock at such facilities; and

a description of any incident that—

insufficient oversight authority at the Department of Defense level;

a lack of assigned leadership on fatigue-related matters within the Armed Forces; and

fragmented fatigue-related research efforts across the Department;

In general

The Secretary shall authorize registered dietitians and health care providers of the Department at the operational unit level to acquire sports foods and third-party certified dietary supplements and to distribute such foods and supplements to members of the Armed Forces.

Rule of construction

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to—

The term dietary supplement has the meaning given that term in section 201(ff) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321(ff)).

The term sports food means a product with a nutrition facts label that is meant to support daily macronutrient and caloric needs in support of fueling and hydration of members of the Armed Forces to enhance combat readiness, which may be used to improve physical performance and long-term cognitive health and optimize recovery.

The Army National Guard of the United States, 325,000.

The Army Reserve, 175,800.

The Navy Reserve, 57,700.

The Marine Corps Reserve, 32,500.

The Air National Guard of the United States, 107,700.

The Air Force Reserve, 67,000.

The Coast Guard Reserve, 7,000.

the total authorized strength of units organized to serve as units of the Selected Reserve of such component which are on active duty (other than for training) at the end of the fiscal year; and

the total number of individual members not in units organized to serve as units of the Selected Reserve of such component who are on active duty (other than for training or for unsatisfactory participation in training) without their consent at the end of the fiscal year.

in subsection (a)(3)(B) by striking 34 and inserting 35 ; and

in subsection (a)(3)(C) by striking 49 and inserting 48 .

.

by redesignating subsections (g) through (j) as subsections (h) through (k), respectively; and

by inserting, after subsection (f), the following new subsection (g):

.

.

.

by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and

by inserting after subsection (f) the following new subsection (g):

by redesignating subsections (g) through (j) as subsections (h) through (k), respectively; and

by inserting after subsection (f) the following new subsection (g):

an officer described in subsection (b) shall be anonymously evaluated by peers and subordinates; and

the results of such evaluations shall be furnished to a command selection or command qualification board concerned; and

the command selection or command qualification board shall consider such results in determining whether to recommend such officer for such selection or qualification.

eligible for consideration for command;

in grade O-5 or O-6; and

in a career field—

In the Navy, surface warfare, submarine warfare, special warfare, or explosive ordnance disposal.

In the Marine Corps, infantry, logistics, or field artillery.

In the Air Force, operations or logistics.

In the Space Force, space operations.

In the Coast Guard, afloat or engineering and command, control, communications, computers, cyber, and intelligence.

The determination of the Secretary concerned whether the pilot program improved the command selection or command qualification process of the Armed Force.

The determination of the Secretary concerned whether to continue to use peer or subordinate evaluations in the command selection or command qualification process of such Armed Force.

The term appropriate congressional committees means—

The terms regular and Secretary concerned have the meanings given such term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code.

Chief of Army Reserve

Section 7038(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:

Chief of Navy Reserve

Section 8083(b) of such title is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:

Commander, Marine Forces Reserve

Section 8084(b) of such title is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:

Chief of Air Force Reserve

Section 9038(b) of such title is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:

in subparagraph (A), by inserting (including an officer described in subparagraph (C)) after or a reserve officer;

by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); and

by inserting, after subparagraph (B), the following new subparagraph (C):

.

Officers

During the transition period, the Secretary of Defense may, with the officer’s consent, transfer a covered officer of the Air National Guard of the United States to, and appoint the officer in, the Space Force.

Enlisted members

During the transition period, the Secretary of the Air Force may transfer each covered enlisted member of the Air National Guard of the United States to the Space Force, other than those covered enlisted members who do not consent to transfer. Upon such a transfer, the covered enlisted member so transferred ceases to be a member of the Air National Guard of the United States and is discharged from the enlistment of such covered enlisted member as a Reserve of the Air Force.

Effective date of transfers

Each transfer under this subsection shall be effective on the date specified by the Secretary of Defense, in the case of an officer, or the Secretary of the Air Force, in the case of an enlisted member, but not later than the last day of the transition period.

Maximum number of transfers

Not more than 580 members of the Air National Guard may be transferred under this subsection.

the end strength authorized for the Space Force pursuant to section 115(a)(1)(A) of title 10, United States Code, for the fiscal year during which the transfer occurs shall be increased by the number of billets associated with that mission; and

the end strength authorized for the Air National Guard of the United States pursuant to section 115(a)(2) of such title for such fiscal year shall be decreased by the same number.

the Air National Guard of the United States and the Space Force shall be considered to be components of the same Armed Force; and

the Space Force officer list shall be considered to be an active-duty list of an Armed Force.

After a covered space function is transferred to the Space Force from the Air National Guard of the United States, the Space Force shall continue to perform the covered space function within the affected State;

Except when the Secretary of the Air Force determines that it would not be in the best interests of the United States, the Secretary shall seek to enter into an agreement with the Governor of an affected State, to provide for the Space Force to become a tenant organization on an installation of the National Guard of the affected State at which a covered space function was executed.

A detailed description of actions taken to transfer the covered space functions to the Space Force.

An assessment of the effect of the transfers on the readiness and capabilities of the Space Force and the Air National Guard.

A summary of any challenge encountered during the transfer and steps taken to overcome such challenge.

The number of officers and enlisted members transferred to the Space Force.

Any recommendation of the Secretary, including additional legislation, to improve such transfer.

The term covered space functions of the Air National Guard of the United States means all Federal missions, units, personnel billets, equipment, and resources of the Air National Guard of the United States associated with the performance of a space-related function that is (as determined by the Secretary of the Air Force, in consultation with the Chief of Space Operations)—

The term affected State means a State or territory the National Guard of that would be affected by the transfer of covered space functions to the Space Force.

The term covered, with respect to a member of the Air National Guard of the United States, has the meaning provided in section 1733(g) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 676).

The term transition period means the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on the last day of the fourth fiscal year beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.

based on the individual merit and demonstrated performance of the covered member;

without regard to the political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or marital status, of the covered member; and

with proper regard for the privacy and constitutional rights of the covered member.

arbitrary action, personal favoritism, and coercion for partisan political purposes; and

reprisal for the lawful disclosure of information by a covered member that the covered member reasonably believes to evince—

a member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force; or

an individual who has an active application to be a member described in paragraph (1).

a commander in a grade higher than O-5 may access the contact information for the next of kin of a member who died while a member of the unit under the command of such commander, regardless of whether such member served under such commander; and

an individual named in such database may—

Up to 50 officers and 200 enlisted members of the regular component of the Marine Corps may be transferred to the Selected Reserve of the Marine Corps and returned to active duty at the end of the period of transfer under subsection (b).

An officer in a grade below O-6 who returns to active duty at the end of such period of transfer shall be reappointed as a regular officer by the President.

The Commandant may not approve a transfer under the pilot program after September 30, 2028.

Period of transfer

The period of transfer from active duty under a pilot program under this section shall be such period as the Commandant shall specify in the agreement of the member under subsection (c), except that such period may not exceed three years.

Years of service

Any service by a transferred reserve officer while participating in a pilot program under this section shall be included in computation of the total years of service of such officer pursuant to section 14706(a) of title 10, United States Code.

Retirement

Any period of participation of a transferred member in a program under this section shall count toward—

To undergo, during a period of transfer under subsection (b), such training as the Commandant shall require, including requirements under section 10147 of title 10, United States Code.

Following completion of a period of transfer under subsection (b), to serve up to two months as a member of the Marine Corps on active duty for each month of such period of transfer. Following completion of an initial period of transfer, a member may request a waiver of the period of obligated service under this paragraph. If the Commandant waives such period of obligated service, the member shall remain in the Selected Reserve, entitled to pay, allowances, and benefits of a member of the uniformed services in the grade and years of service of such member.

Basic pay; allowances other than travel and transportation allowances

During a period of transfer under subsection (b), a member shall receive any applicable pay or allowance other than a travel and transportation allowance under title 37, United States Code, for a reserve member of the uniformed services in the grade and years of service of the member.

Special or incentive pay

Travel and transportation allowances

A member who participates in a pilot program under this section is entitled to travel and transportation allowances under section 452 of title 37, United States Code, to relocate—

Leave

A member who participates in a pilot program is entitled to carry, in accordance with section 701 of title 10, United States Code, the leave accrued by such member until the day before the beginning of a period of transfer under subsection (b).

Officers

An officer participating in a pilot program under this section may be eligible for consideration for promotion as a member of the reserve component in accordance with section 14005 and 14305 of title 10, United States Code, during the period of transfer under subsection (b). Upon the return of an officer to active duty after completion of a period transfer under subsection (b)—

Enlisted member

An enlisted member participating in a pilot program under this section may be eligible for consideration for promotion as a member of the reserve component during the period of transfer under subsection (b).

the entitlement of the member and of the dependents of the member to medical and dental care under the provisions of chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code;

retirement or separation for physical disability under the provisions of chapters 55 and 61 of title 10, United States Code;

the entitlement of the member and of the survivors of the member to all death benefits under the provisions of chapter 75 of title 10, United States Code;

the provision of all travel and transportation allowances for the survivors of deceased members to attend burial ceremonies under section 453(f) of title 37, United States Code; and

the eligibility of the member for general benefits as provided in part II of title 38, United States Code.

.

in section 4 (50 U.S.C. 3803)—

in section 6(a) (50 U.S.C. 3806(a))—

in section 10(b)(3) (50 U.S.C. 3809(b)(3)) by striking registration,;

in section 12 (50 U.S.C. 3811)—

in section 15(a) (50 U.S.C. 3813(a)), by striking upon publication by the President of a proclamation or other public notice fixing a time for any registration under section 3.

Establish a military occupational specialty for enlisted members who specialize in talent acquisition.

Establish a professional recruiting force of warrant officers who specialize in talent acquisition, data analytics, and other human resource functions necessary to develop expertise in recruiting and military accessions.

Routinely determining which areas of the United States yield greater-than-average numbers of recruits and, with regard to each such area—

Consider using a commercially available, off-the-shelf, recruiting platform.

An up-to-date timeline, milestones, resources used, and resources needed for such implementation.

The number of enlisted members, officers, and civilian employees of the Army required to carry out this section .

Policies altered or prescribed by the Secretary to carry out this section and recruit a capable and ready all-volunteer force.

Related legislative recommendations of the Secretary.

Provision of informational materials to promote enlistment in the covered Armed Forces, by the Secretary to such entity, for distribution at the Museum.

Education and exhibits, developed jointly by the Secretary and such entity, and provided to the public by employees of the Museum, to—

Appointments

Section 7442 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

Additional appointees

Section 7443 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

Appointments

Section 8454 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

Additional appointees

Section 8456 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

Appointments

Section 9442 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

Additional appointees

Section 9443 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

Paragraph (5) of subsection (a) is amended to read as follows: That if the cadet obtains employment as a professional athlete before completing the commissioned service obligation of such cadet, the cadet shall be subject to the alternative obligation under subsection (b)(4).

Subsection (b) is amended—

Paragraph (2) of subsection (c) is amended to read as follows:

Subsection (f) is amended by striking the alternative obligation and inserting an alternative obligation.

Paragraph (5) of subsection (a) is amended to read as follows: That if the midshipman obtains employment as a professional athlete before completing the commissioned service obligation of such cadet, the midshipman shall be subject to the alternative obligation under subsection (b)(4).

Subsection (b) is amended—

Paragraph (2) of subsection (c) is amended to read as follows:

Subsection (f) is amended by striking the alternative obligation and inserting an alternative obligation.

Paragraph (5) of subsection (a) is amended to read as follows: That if the cadet obtains employment as a professional athlete before completing the commissioned service obligation of such cadet, the cadet shall be subject to the alternative obligation under subsection (b)(4).

Subsection (b) is amended—

Paragraph (2) of subsection (c) is amended to read as follows:

Subsection (f) is amended by striking the alternative obligation and inserting an alternative obligation.

Membership

Section 7455 of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in subsection (a)—

Terms; replacements

Such section is further amended, in subsection (b)—

Termination

Such section is further amended, in subsection (c)—

Visits

Such section is further amended, in subsection (d)—

Duties

Such section is further amended, in subsection (e)—

Reports

Such section is further amended, in subsection (f)—

Advisers

Such section is further amended, in subsection (g), by striking Upon approval by the Secretary, the and inserting The.

Procedure

Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:

by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and

by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph (B):

by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and

by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph (B):

by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and

by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph (B):

by striking professional and technical education and inserting professional, technical, and research and education; and

by striking research opportunities and inserting research and innovation opportunities.

civil-military relations;

separation of powers; and

domestic use of military force.

to identify each individual who, while serving as a covered employee of the Department of Defense, made one or more student loan payments eligible to be counted for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program under section 455(m) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087e(m)); and

without requiring further information or action from such individual—

a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty for a period of more than 30 consecutive days; or

a civilian employee of the Department of Defense.

The term covered individual means an individual whose application for an appointment as a cadet or midshipman at a Service Academy is denied.

The term senior military college means a school specified in section 2111a of title 10, United States Code.

The term Service Academy has the meaning given such term in section 347 of title 10, United States Code.

in accordance with such regulations as may be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense for purposes of the Program; and

in a manner consistent with the Graduate Education Program–Enlisted pilot program of the Marine Corps.

Eligibility may be limited to active duty members of the covered Armed Forces with no more than 16 years of service by end of degree completion and prior to being assigned to duties that use such degree.

A member should not have been passed over for selection to the next higher grade.

A member should meet reenlistment requirements established by the component of the Armed Force responsible for such requirements to ensure four years of service are attainable after degree completion.

Any Primary Military Occupational Specialty may be eligible to apply.

A minimum of four years should remain on the member’s contract at the time of completion of the degree program. A member should be willing to re-enlist or extend a contract to meet the requirements under this paragraph.

A minimum of 24 months on station is recommended for applicants in assignments within the continental United States or 24 months for applicants in assignments outside the continental United States prior to the commencement studies at the Naval Postgraduate School, with the potential for exceptions.

All applicants should possess an institutionally accredited baccalaureate degree and should have the Academic Profile Code prescribed for the requested curricula. The Naval Postgraduate School should determine the official Academic Profile Code for each applicant and such official Academic Profile Code should be used as the basis in determining academic eligibility for participation in the Program. The application criteria for the Naval Postgraduate School may be further described, promulgated, and updated on the website of the School’s admissions office.

The member should hold, or be eligible for, a security clearance if required for—

Applicants should have completed all necessary professional military education for their current rank prior to executing orders.

Number of participants

The number of enlisted members selected for participation in the Program from each covered Armed Force shall be equal to the number of officers from that Armed Force who are enrolled in the Naval Postgraduate school at the time the selection is made.

Selection factors

Such selection hall be based on consideration of—

to fill the billets of the members participating in the Program while such members are completing a course of study at the Naval Postgraduate School; and

to fill the billets of members who received a master’s degree under the Program while such members are engaged in post-participation service as described in subsection (e).

the needs of the Navy and Army;

the capacity of the Naval Postgraduate School; and

the extent to which enrollment in a specific program is expected to have a positive effect on the career trajectories of participants.

an assessment of whether and to what extent the Program has met the needs of the covered Armed Forces and had positive effects on participating enlisted members, including with respect to—

the recommendations of the Secretaries regarding whether the Program should be extended or made permanent;

an assessment of the funding and capabilities that may be needed to make the Program permanent; and

any other matters the Secretaries determine to be relevant.

Termination

Subject to paragraph (2), the Program shall terminate six years after the date on which the Program commences under this section.

Extension

The Secretaries concerned may extend the Program beyond the six-year period specified in paragraph (1) if, not later than 30 days before the expiration of such period, the Secretaries, in consultation with the President of the Naval Postgraduate School, submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives—

The term covered Armed Forces means the Army and the Navy.

The term Secretary concerned means—

; and

in subparagraph (A), by inserting or (2) after paragraph (1); and

in subparagraph (B), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting subsection (c)(2)(A) or paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection.

by striking the Judge Advocate General shall forward the record and inserting the following:

in subparagraph (A), as designated by subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, by striking the period and inserting ; and; and

by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

in subparagraph (A)—

in subparagraph (B)—

by inserting , or a case of an alleged domestic violence-related offense (as defined by the Secretary), after of title 10, United States Code); and

by striking periodically notify the victim and inserting periodically notify the victim (or the victim’s legal counsel if so requested by the victim); and

the advisability of modifying section 920c of title 10, United States Code (article 120c of the Uniform Code of Military Justice)—

such other approaches to the modification of such section 920c (article 120c) as the Committee considers appropriate to address digitally manipulated intimate images.

the recommendations developed under subsection (a); and

draft legislative text that sets forth all amendments and modifications to law that may be needed to effectively implement such recommendations.

.

review the titling and indexing systems of the defense criminal investigative organizations under the jurisdiction of such Secretary to identify each record in such system that pertains to a member or former member of the Armed Forces who has been cleared of wrongdoing as described in subsection (b) of such section 1552a;

notify the defense criminal investigative organization involved of each record identified under paragraph (1); and

direct the head of the organization to remove the record in accordance with subsection (c).

The terms defense criminal investigative organization, indexing, titling, and titling and indexing system have the meanings given those terms in section 1552a(d) of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)).

The term Secretary concerned has the meaning given that term in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code.

the advisability of modifying Military Rule of Evidence 513 to cover psychotherapy diagnoses and treatments; and

such other approaches to the modification of Military Rule of Evidence 513 as the Committee considers appropriate to address victim privacy rights.

the recommendations developed under subsection (a); and

draft legislative text that sets forth all amendments and modifications to law that may be needed to effectively implement such recommendations.

.

.

.

identifies each veterans service organization that participated in a presentation under paragraph (20) of section 1142(b) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a);

contains the number of members of the Armed Forces who attended such presentations; and

includes any recommendations of the Secretary regarding changes to such presentation or to such paragraph.

seek to enter into contracts with public, private, and nonprofit entities under which such entities provide individualized employment counseling for members of the Armed Forces and their spouses;

prioritize entering into contracts with qualified private entities that have experience providing instruction to members of the Armed Forces eligible for assistance under the pilot program carried out under this section on—

give a preference to any private entity that—

seek to enter into contracts with not fewer than 10, but not more than 60, private entities under which each such entity is compensated at a rate agreed upon between the Secretary and the entity for each individual who receives employment services provided by the entity and is in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the program; and

conduct such other activities as may be necessary for the delivery of individualized employment counseling and other employment services under this section.

the percentage of program participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the program;

the percentage of program participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the fourth quarter after exit from the program; and

the median earnings of program participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the program.

Authority

The Secretary shall seek to enter into a contract using competitive procedures with an appropriate entity for the provision of the covered health record platform under the pilot program under subsection (a).

Notice of competition

Selection

Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall award a contract to an appropriate entity pursuant to the request for proposals under paragraph (2) if at least one acceptable offer is submitted.

In general

The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program under subsection (a) for a period of not less than one year.

Termination or extension of program

At the end of the one-year period specified in paragraph (1), the Secretary may—

Covered health record platform

The term covered health record platform means a secure personal health record platform that meets the following requirements:

Transition Assistance Program

The term Transition Assistance Program means the program of the Department of Defense for preseparation counseling, employment assistance, and other transitional services provided under sections 1142 and 1144 of title 10, United States Code.

The term covered member means a member of the Armed Forces eligible for Skillbridge.

The term registered apprenticeship program means an apprenticeship program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.).

The term Skillbridge means an employment skills training program under section 1143(e) of title 10, United States Code.

In general

The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity, shall require each teacher in a 21st century school to undergo training in accordance with this subsection.

Content

The training required under paragraph (1) shall consist of specialized instruction to provide teachers with the skills necessary to effectively teach in a 21st century school environment, including instruction in—

Frequency

The training required under paragraph (1) shall be provided as follows:

In general

The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity, is authorized to pay a bonus to an individual who—

Eligibility

The Secretary may pay a bonus under this subsection to an individual only if the individual—

Service agreement

To be eligible to receive a bonus under this subsection, an individual shall enter into a contract or other agreement with the Secretary of Defense pursuant to which the individual agrees to serve as a teacher in a high-need school. Such contract or other agreement shall specify—

Amount

The amount of each bonus under this subsection shall be determined by the Secretary of Defense.

Disbursem*nt

Each bonus under this subsection shall be disbursed as a lump sum payment made at or before the commencement of an individual’s required service period as set forth in the agreement under paragraph (3).

Repayment

Exclusion from basic pay

A bonus under this subsection is not part of the basic pay of an employee for any purpose.

Sunset

The authority of the Secretary of Defense to pay bonuses under this subsection shall terminate five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

In general

The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity, shall carry out a pilot program under which a qualified individual may receive and use the Department of State Standardized Regulations education allowance to pay for a dependent child of such individual to attend a non-DODEA school in Bahrain for the applicable school year.

Maximum number of participants

Participation in the pilot program under this subsection shall be limited to—

Exception to prohibition

Any prohibition on the use of the Department of State Standardized Regulations education allowance in an area served by a school operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity shall not apply to a qualified individual participating in the pilot program under this subsection.

Termination

The authority of the Secretary of Defense to carry out the pilot program under this subsection shall terminate at the conclusion of the applicable school year.

The term 21st century school means a school facility operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity that has been constructed or modernized pursuant to the 21st Century Schools Program of the Activity.

The term applicable school year means the first school year beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.

The term high-need school means a school operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity that—

The term non-DODEA school means a school that is not operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity.

The term qualified individual means an individual who—

The term United States means each of the several States and the District of Columbia.

shall not require a DoDEA educator to teach in the United States prior to transfer;

shall be subject to collective bargaining agreements between DoDEA and their employees; and

shall be carried out subject to current law.

each military installation under the jurisdiction of such Secretary that has confirmed the information contained in all impact aid source check forms received from local educational agencies as of the date of the report; and

each military installation that has not confirmed the information contained in such forms as of such date.

The term impact aid source check form means a form submitted to a military installation by a local educational agency to confirm the number and identity of children eligible to be counted for purposes of the Federal impact aid program under section 7003(a) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7703(a)).

The term local educational agency has the meaning given that term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).

In general

Not later than January 1, 2026, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (in this section referred to as the Under Secretary) shall establish a military families playground pilot program (in this section referred to as the Program) to design, develop, and construct playgrounds that directly support families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program to increase the accessibility and inclusivity of access to playgrounds on military installations.

Governing body

Objective

The objective of the Program is to create a more accessible and inclusive environment for military families, especially families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program, by designing, developing, and constructing inclusive playgrounds that—

Administration

In carrying out the Program, the Under Secretary shall—

Upgrading existing playgrounds

The Under Secretary may carry out the requirement under paragraph (4)(B) to construct an inclusive playground at each military installation selected under paragraph (4)(A) by upgrading an existing playground at the installation to meet the requirements of the Program.

In general

Not later than March 28, 2025, the Under Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a strategy for the implementation of the Program.

Elements

The strategy required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:

as a lieutenant in the Navy, on November 18, 1952, for which he was previously awarded the Navy Cross and the Taegeuk Order of Military Merit of South Korea; and

as an Ace fighter pilot who shot down multiple MiG aircraft.

by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and

by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection:

Reviews

The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a review of all reports submitted under section 486 of title 10, United States Code. In conducting such review, the Comptroller General shall—

Briefing

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the results of the review conducted under paragraph (1).

Program required

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement a training program to ensure that personnel of the Department of Defense responsible for conducting administrative investigations have the knowledge necessary to properly conduct such investigations and to ensure the fair treatment of complainants and individuals subject to investigation.

Testing required

The training program under paragraph (1) shall incorporate objective testing to measure the knowledge and abilities of personnel who receive the training.

Briefing

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the training program under paragraph (1), which shall include—

establish a standard of proof that must be met before administrative discipline may be imposed on a member;

ensure that a member has the opportunity to respond during each phase of an administrative investigation and disciplinary proceeding; and

ensure that a member serving on a part-time basis will be placed in an appropriate duty status and fully compensated for any time spent participating or responding to the investigative or disciplinary process.

the number of cases considered by the board, disaggregated by race, sex, ethnicity, and rank as related to the member of the Armed Forces subject to the review of the board;

of such cases, the number that resulted in an adverse determination against a member, disaggregated as described in paragraph (1);

the reasons for such adverse determinations.

has a disqualifying medical condition for which the Secretary of the military department concerned may not issue a waiver; or

enrolled in, but failed to graduate from, a future member preparatory course of such covered Armed Force.

are located in geographically diverse areas;

operate in diverse environments; and

perform various missions.

Initial report

Not later than one year after the initiation of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the interim findings of the pilot program.

Final briefing

Not later than 90 days after the termination completion of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a briefing on the pilot program. Such briefing shall include the recommendation of the Secretary whether to expand the pilot program or make it permanent.

Elements

A report or briefing under this subsection shall include the following elements:

increase participation of covered individuals in positions in the covered Armed Forces or Department of Defense and related to STEM; and

change Skillbridge to help covered individuals eligible for Skillbridge find civilian employment in positions related to STEM.

The term covered Armed Force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.

The term covered individual means a female—

The term Skillbridge means an employment skills training program under section 1143(e) of title 10, United States Code.

The term STEM means science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

for each of the Armed Forces, the current policy regarding when unaccompanied pregnant members of the Armed Forces who reside in unaccompanied housing are eligible to receive basic allowance for housing;

for each of the Armed Forces, the current policy regarding when unaccompanied pregnant members of the Armed Forces who reside in unaccompanied housing are eligible for admittance to the wait list for family housing and assignment of family housing;

any disparities between written policies and the implementation of such policies;

recommendations to standardize such policies across the Armed Forces; and

any costs associated with the standardization of such policies, including with respect to any infrastructure improvements that may be needed.

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Section 2130a(a)(1), relating to nurse officer candidate accession program.

Section 16302(d), relating to repayment of education loans for certain health professionals who serve in the Selected Reserve.

Section 331(h), relating to general bonus authority for enlisted members.

Section 332(g), relating to general bonus authority for officers.

Section 334(i), relating to special aviation incentive pay and bonus authorities for officers.

Section 335(k), relating to special bonus and incentive pay authorities for officers in health professions.

Section 336(g), relating to contracting bonus for cadets and midshipmen enrolled in the Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.

Section 351(h), relating to hazardous duty pay.

Section 352(g), relating to assignment pay or special duty pay.

Section 353(i), relating to skill incentive pay or proficiency bonus.

Section 355(h), relating to retention incentives for members qualified in critical military skills or assigned to high priority units.

in paragraph (7)(E), relating to an area covered by a major disaster declaration or containing an installation experiencing an influx of military personnel, by striking December 31, 2024 and inserting December 31, 2025; and

in paragraph (8)(C), relating to an area where actual housing costs differ from current rates by more than 20 percent, by striking September 30, 2024 and inserting December 31, 2025.

The term BAH means the basic allowance for housing for members of the uniformed services under section 403 of title 37, United States Code.

The term covered entity means a nationally recognized entity in the field of single-family housing that has data on local rental rates in real estate markets across the United States.

The term MHA means military housing area.

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in subsection (a)—

in subsection (b)(2), by striking the spouse and other dependents of a deceased member of the Armed Forces and inserting such a survivor.

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