I 112th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2186 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 15, 2011 Mr. Cummings introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To amend title 10, United States Code, to enhance the security of the United States and the readiness of the Armed Forces by increasing diversity within the leadership ranks of the Armed Forces.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Military Leaders Enhancement Act.

2.

Sense of Congress on diversity in military leadership

(a)

Definition of diversity

It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security (in the case of the Coast Guard) should develop a uniform definition of diversity that— (1)encompasses all the different characteristics and attributes of members of the Armed Forces; and (2)is consistent with the core values of the Armed Forces, integral to overall readiness and mission accomplishment, and reflective of the diverse population of the United States. (b)

Diversity as a national security issue

It is the sense of Congress that— (1)diversity is a national security issue and a force multiplier for the Armed Forces and the United States; (2)diversity within the Armed Forces is vitally important, not only with respect to promoting innovation and creativity, but also with respect to developing a more inclusive workforce for a fair and just America; (3)diversity is a necessity to mission readiness and excellence; (4)attracting and employing a diverse and talented team of officers and senior enlisted personnel ultimately enables the Armed Forces to better perform their national security missions and, in the case of the Coast Guard, its essential regulatory missions; and (5)in preparing the Nation for future national security needs, it is important to identify regional and cultural expertise, relevant reserve component civilian expertise, and language expertise upon military accession and throughout the careers of members of the Armed Forces in order to better manage personnel with mission critical skill sets and to leverage that expertise in service to the United States.

3.

Diversity in military leadership and related reporting requirements

(a)

Plan To achieve military leadership reflecting diversity of United States population

(1)

In general

Chapter 37 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

656.

Diversity in military leadership: plan

(a)

Plan

The Secretary of Defense (and the Secretary of Homeland Security in the case of the Coast Guard) shall prepare and implement a plan to achieve, between 2031 and 2041, a dynamic, sustainable level of members of the armed forces (including reserve components thereof) that, among both commissioned officers and senior enlisted personnel of each armed force, will reflect the diverse population of the United States eligible to serve in the armed forces, including gender specific, racial, or ethnic populations and diversified language and cultural skills so as to preserve and enhance the all-volunteer force. (b)

Metrics To measure progress in developing and implementing plan

The Secretary of Defense (and the Secretary of Homeland Security in the case of the Coast Guard) shall develop a standard set of metrics and collection procedures that are uniform across the armed forces, including reserve components thereof, in furtherance of developing and implementing the plan established under subsection (a). The metrics required by this subsection shall be designed— (1)to accurately capture the inclusion and capability aspects of the armed forces broader diversity plans; and (2)to be verifiable and systematically linked to strategic plans that will drive improvements. (c)

Consultation

Not less than biannually, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall meet with the Secretaries of the military departments, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, and senior enlisted members of the armed forces to discuss the progress being made toward developing and implementing the plan established under subsection (a). (d)

Cooperation with states

The Secretary of Defense shall coordinate with the National Guard Bureau and States in tracking the progress of the National Guard toward developing and implementing the plan established under subsection (a).

. (2)

Clerical amendment

The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item: 656. Diversity in military leadership: plan. . (b)

Reporting requirements

(1)

Inclusion in DOD manpower requirements report

Section 115a(c) of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4)The progress made in implementing the plan required by section 656 of this title to achieve a dynamic, sustainable armed forces that has a membership that will, among both commissioned officers and senior enlisted personnel of each armed force, including reserve components thereof, reflect the diverse population of the United States eligible to serve in the armed forces while still being able to— (A)prevail in any war, prevent and deter any conflict, defeat any adversary, and succeed in a wide range of contingencies; and (B)preserve and enhance the all-volunteer force. (5)The available pool of qualified candidates for the general officer grades of general and lieutenant general and the flag officer grades of admiral and vice admiral, including an assessment of the qualified racial or ethnic minority and female candidates. . (2)

Coast guard report

(A)

Annual report required

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall prepare an annual report addressing diversity among commissioned officers of the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve and among enlisted personnel of the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve in the pay grades E–7 through E–9. The report shall include an assessment of the available pool of qualified candidates for the flag officer grades of admiral and vice admiral, including an assessment of the qualified racial or ethnic minority and female candidates. (B)

Submission

The report shall be submitted each year not later than 45 days after the date on which the President submits to Congress the budget for the next fiscal year under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code. Each report shall be submitted to the President, the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.